Electrical Engineering Manager

Retech Systems LLC•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

The Electrical Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a high-performing engineering team in a custom manufacturing environment. This role is a transformational leadership position focused on transitioning the department from a "bespoke" project mindset to a modular, library-driven "Configure-to-Order" architecture. The manager will balance hands-on technical guidance with strategic process development to drive down engineering hours while ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability for vacuum melting furnaces.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams through process transitions and "buy-in" phases for new standards.
Experience in the design and specification of high-current power distribution systems, including transformer sizing, busbar design, and thermal management within electrical enclosures.
Ability to specify and size motors, drives, circuit protective devices, wire, and power supplies.
Familiarity with process control instrumentation used in the measurement of vacuum, pressure, temperature, and flow.
Familiarity with PI and PID closed loop controls.
Proficiency with PLC programming in Ladder Logic, Function Block and Structured Text language techniques.
Familiarity with common industrial networks and protocols such as EtherNet/IP, CIP and IO Link.
Familiarity with Wonderware (InTouch or System Platform) HMI software.
Ability to interpret and produce NFPA format electrical drawings.
Adhere to the codes and principles of NFPA 79, UL508A and the NEC.
Familiarity with standard meters and test equipment.
Familiarity with PC application development (Visual Studio, .NET, C#) and legacy system support (VB6).
Strong working knowledge of Solidworks Electrical 2D, 3D, AutoCAD design software and Microsoft Office products.
Working knowledge of Allen Bradley/Rockwell Automation Control System Hardware (PLC’s, switches, etc.).
Ability to convey ideas, deviations, and methodologies to non-technical stakeholders.
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field.
Minimum 10 years of experience in EE Field.
Experience designing PLC control systems architectures and networks, I/O module selections.
Extensive background with Rockwell Automation platforms; familiarity with Siemens and Ignition is a strong plus.
Experience with VFDs, Servo controls, and Electro-Hydraulic control techniques.
Self-starter with a proven ability to lead teams through process transitions and technical "buy-in."
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for both internal and external customers.
Exceptional organization skills with attention to detail.
Ability to be proactive and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
Detail-orientated with ability to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Nice To Haves

Solidworks Electrical or AutoCAD Electrical experience a plus
Previous electrical engineering management experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Providing electrical engineering recommendations and technical support on electrical engineering reviews, strategic plans, and projects.
Assisting with allocation, budgeting, resource planning, and scheduling.
Managing unit and development cost estimations and helps determine affordable and reliable material sources.
Creating production, quality validation, and evaluation requirements and tests and troubleshoots production dilemmas.
Establishing technical standards in reviews, documentation, and designs.
Establishing framework for programming efforts to streamline future product development and code reuse to increase efficiency in the department.
Interfacing with outside resources during times of heavy workload to alleviate stress on the department and meet customer timelines.
Interfacing with sales, project management, mechanical, design and systems engineering to make sure projects are staying on target.
Establishing and enforcing rigorous version control protocols to ensure a "single source of truth" for all furnace software.
Developing and maintaining Electrical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and design checklists to ensure consistency across different engineering teams.
Shifting the team’s focus from "one-off" engineering to "configure-to-order" (CTO) modules that can be reused across furnaces lines.
Understanding of IEC 61131-3 standards and how to apply object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts to industrial automation.
Establishing and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for the department, specifically focusing on the reduction of Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) hours per project through the successful implementation of reusable code libraries.
Overseeing the development of simulation environments to perform virtual commissioning, minimizing time spent on the manufacturing floor.
Leading the creation and curation of "Gold Seed" master templates and standardized PLC/HMI code libraries (AOIs, Function Blocks).
Managing electrical engineering and design staff members.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%.
Other duties as assigned.