Lead Engineer – Custom Product Industrialization

Enerpac Tool Group Corp•Columbus, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for leading the industrialization of custom, complex, and newly introduced products into Enerpac’s Columbus manufacturing operations. Acting as the technical project leader and value stream owner, this position bridges design engineering, manufacturing, and operations to ensure that non-standard or newly developed products are successfully designed, built, and scaled. This individual will operate as the “Customs VSM”, owning execution from concept through production readiness—driving cross-functional teams, solving technical challenges, and establishing repeatable processes for products that do not fit standard manufacturing models. While initial efforts will include integration of newly acquired technologies (e.g., split flow pump systems), this role is designed to support all future custom and new product introductions. Location: Columbus, WI Shift: Monday – Friday; 8 – 4:30 pm or 8:30 – 5:00 pm; flexible

Requirements

Strong technical engineering foundation (mechanical + manufacturing)
Proven ability to lead projects and cross-functional teams
Experience with new product introduction, custom builds, or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing
Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, and assembly systems
Ability to operate in ambiguity and build structure where none exists
Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves mentality
Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels
Ownership & Accountability (acts like a business owner for custom builds)
Drive for Results, Decision Making in Ambiguity, Building & Leading Teams, Cross-Functional Influence, Continuous Improvement Mindset
Experience with Lean / CI, but able to apply it pragmatically
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
5–8+ years of experience across: Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Product Industriation (NPI)
Knowledge of, and experience with, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and preferably automotive quality standards.
Skills in teaching, training, and developing employees.
Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate employees.

Nice To Haves

Experience in hydraulics, heavy equipment, or industrial manufacturing strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary owner for custom, engineered-to-order, and new product builds within Columbus operations
Lead execution for products that require non-standard processes, new capabilities, or cross-functional coordination
Act as the central point of accountability from design intake → build → production stabilization
Lead cross-functional project teams (engineering, operations, supply chain, quality) to deliver new/custom products on time and within cost targets
Establish and manage project plans, timelines, risk mitigation strategies, and execution milestones
Drive decision-making, remove roadblocks, and maintain momentum across all phases of product introduction
Communicate status, risks, and progress clearly to leadership
Provide hands-on technical leadership across: Mechanical design interpretation and refinement Design for manufacturability (DFM) / assembly (DFA) Process feasibility and build strategy
Partner with design teams to ensure products are optimized for performance, manufacturability, and cost
Lead prototype builds, troubleshooting, and validation activities
Design and implement custom manufacturing processes, tooling, and workflows required for new or low-volume/high-complexity products
Develop standard work, build instructions, and training plans for production teams
Identify and deploy Lean manufacturing principles where applicable—even in low-volume/custom environments
Ensure safe, repeatable, and scalable production methods
Operate as the value stream leader for custom products, ensuring alignment across all supporting functions
Define and track KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, throughput) for custom builds
Partner with supply chain to ensure material readiness for unique or new components
Transition products from custom/one-off → repeatable production where applicable
Lead, coach, and develop engineering technicians and support resources supporting custom builds
Build capability within the organization to handle increasing complexity and product variation
Establish best practices for custom product execution and knowledge transfer