Electrical Engineering Manager

Lanco•Hazel Crest, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Lanco, a leader in the material handling industry, is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineering Manager to lead and manage teams responsible for the design and development of Electrical Systems, Power & Signal Distribution, PLC/HMI Software, and Machine Controls across their product line. This role focuses on enhancing machine performance, reliability, and standardization through collaboration with technology partners and internal teams, while upholding the company’s culture, mission, and values. The manager will also oversee the development and management of the department budget and ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
10+ years of experience working in an engineering capacity supporting product development with a particular focus on electrical systems, power & signal distribution, PLC/HMI software, and machine controls in the material handling, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, or other heavy equipment industry.
5 plus years of supervisory experience is essential, with a track record of leading successful teams.
Comprehensive knowledge of design and development practices, with a focus on designing electrical and electronic systems for heavy machinery.
Proven leadership skills and the ability to manage a specialized team effectively.
Skilled in applying technical knowledge to support and enhance engineering practices.
Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with the engineering team and external partners.
Capable of managing multiple development projects under tight deadlines with a focus on safety and quality.
Knowledge of effective collaboration techniques and ability to build networks with people from different countries and cultures.
Proficiency with ECAD tools (E-Plan or equivalent); familiarity with PLC programming and HMI development environments preferred.
Experience with Git or other version control systems for software configuration management preferred.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a related engineering field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Drive cross-functional collaboration across engineering disciplines and business functions to deliver complete, field-ready electrical solutions.
Lead the design and development of electrical systems, power & signal distribution, machine wiring, PLC/HMI software, machine controls, and CMS applications for our material handling product line.
Lead the development and maintenance of electrical schematics, wire harness drawings, and cable schedules using E-Plan (ECAD).
Ensure electrical systems meet applicable performance, safety, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Develop and maintain relationships with external industry electrical, electronic, and controls partners to enhance development capabilities.
Partner with vehicle systems experts and controls suppliers to craft a comprehensive electrical system development and validation strategy.
Serve as project manager for strategic engineering initiatives — defining scope, maintaining schedules, coordinating resources, and communicating status to stakeholders.
Manage engineering work intake and backlog using Jira; ensure all incoming work is properly scoped, estimated, prioritized, and assigned before engineering resources are committed.
Coach, mentor, and provide direction to the software/electrical/electronic design team, fostering professional growth and technical proficiency.
Drive engineering standards, processes, quality, and continuous improvement across the department.
Promote and maintain a high level of teamwork and collaboration.
Assure staffing requirements are met.
Estimate resources required to complete projects.
Willing and able to collaborate with and lead international teams in various time zones.
Develop and manage the department budget, including resource planning, staffing, and cost monitoring across the team.
Be accountable for team member growth and development.
Coordinate team member performance evaluations, and goal setting.
Interface with electrical and electronic component suppliers to understand the design, fabrication, and use of their components.
Oversee the detailing and releasing of engineering drawings and schematics for components and systems for which you are responsible.
Maintain CAD for components, systems, and schematics (we use E-Plan for electrical/electronic systems).
Communicate department strategy, project status, and team performance to senior leadership on a regular basis.
Uphold company policies and procedures, contributing to a harmonious working environment and strong working relationships.
Lead new product introduction design efforts, ensuring timing and product quality are in alignment with engineering specifications.
Anticipate and adapt to technological changes in the industry, ensuring departmental readiness for development of new and existing products.