Manager Engineering Methods

Johnson Outdoors • Mankato, MN

43d

About The Position

At Johnson Outdoors, home to some of the world’s most innovative and best-known outdoor recreation brands, we create amazing outdoor experiences - for adventurers, by adventurers. Check out each of the unique Johnson Outdoor brands in Fishing , Watercraft , Camping and Diving ! We are seeking a highly skilled Manager Engineering Methods to lead the development, deployment, and continuous improvement of engineering methodologies across the organization. With 1,300 employees, 19 global facility locations and selling into over 80 countries, the Manager Engineering Methods will act as a subject matter expert and change agent who can drive adoption of best practices, train cross-functional teams, and facilitate high-impact workshops that enhance product quality, safety, and innovation. They will will establish standardized processes, policies, procedures, and templates for critical engineering practices such as DFMEA, PFMEA, Design Reviews, Safety Reviews, QFD, Test Plans, Kaizen Events, and Agency Certification Reviews. Note: This position can be located in either Mankato-MN or Alpharetta-GA

Requirements

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, or equivalent.
• Certifications in Six Sigma, Lean, or similar methodologies.
• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience which includes managing FMEA processes, creating standardized engineering processes, and providing training on engineering methods.
• Comprehensive understanding of various engineering methodologies, including Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile practices to help in selecting and implementing the most effective methods for different projects.
• Deep expertise in engineering methodologies such as DFMEA, PFMEA, QFD, Kaizen, and Design for Six Sigma.
• In-depth knowledge of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), including how to conduct FMEA sessions, analyze results, and implement corrective actions.
• Proven experience in developing and institutionalizing engineering standards and training programs.
• Demonstrated experience training and mentoring others on engineering methods and best practices, ensuring knowledge transfer and skill development within the organization.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Excellent skills in working with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve common goals.
• Ability to lead initiatives, influence others without direct authority, and drive change within the organization.
• Advanced knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements relevant to the field of engineering.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or similar products.
• Proficiency in using engineering software tools and FMEA-specific software.
• Proficiency in managing projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing. This involves coordinating resources, managing timelines, and ensuring project goals are met.
• Strong analytical abilities to identify problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions. This includes the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Governance: Defines and implements a comprehensive framework for engineering methods and tools. Develops and maintains policies, procedures, and templates to ensure consistency and compliance across engineering functions. Establishes governance mechanisms to monitor adherence and effectiveness of engineering methods.
• FMEA Processes: Leads Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) sessions to systematically evaluate potential failure modes in products or processes. Analyzes results and interprets the findings from FMEA sessions to identify critical failure modes and their impact on system operations. Develops and implements strategies to mitigate identified risks and improve reliability and safety. Accumulate and leverage ongoing findings and learnings from FMEA's and Reviews into an accessible and actionable database.
• Templates: Designs and maintains standardized templates for various engineering processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency in documentation. Regularly reviews and updates templates to reflect changes in industry standards and best practices.
• Facilitation & Coaching: Leads, facilitates and documents DRMEA, PFMEA, Systems DFMEA, Design Reviews, and other structured sessions/training to support product development, risk mitigation and best practice. Provides expert coaching and mentorship to engineering teams on method application and continuous improvement. Creates comprehensive training materials, including manuals, presentations, and online resources. Provides template training and guidance on how to use templates effectively, ensuring all team members are familiar with their application.
• Project Management: Manages projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluating which involves coordinating resources, managing timelines, and ensuring project goals are met. Ensures key engineering methods and relevant governances are incorporated into the product development phase-gate process and tracking systems.
• Reporting: Analyzes, compiles, and presents detailed reports on engineering methods, FMEA findings, and recommendations which are crucial for decision-making and continuous improvements. Monitors the implementation of recommendations and reports on progress and outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement: Drives continuous improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies, implementing changes to enhance/optimize the efficiency quality, and reliability of engineering methods and performance. Tracks the impact of improvement initiatives and adjust strategies as needed to achieve optimal results.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and integration of engineering methods for cohesive and efficient operations.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensures all engineering activities comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements to maintain quality and safety in engineering practices. Conducts regular audits of engineering processes to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement. Stays updated on changes in industry standards and regulations and adjusts processes accordingly.
• Other: Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Share in the company’s success with competitive base salary with additional earning potential through participation in the management bonus program, and eligibility for annual pay increases.
• Find work/life balance with generous Paid Time Off and holiday benefits, a full benefits package, and broad range of employee support and fitness and wellness plans.
• Further your career with performance development and training opportunities, including our tuition assistance program.
• Have fun at work, enjoying a collaborative and casual work environment, participating in fun company events, and taking advantage of great employee discounts on all our outdoor recreational products.
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) with company match and deferred retirement contributions, Sons & Daughters Scholarship program, college savings program, life and LTD insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees