Manager, Manufacturing Engineering

Sierra Space•Englewood, CO

About The Position

The Manager, Manufacturing Engineering is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across manufacturing operations through lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and Industry 4.0 technologies. The role leads cross-functional engineering teams in developing and implementing advanced manufacturing solutions to optimize production processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. It translates strategic manufacturing initiatives into operational plans, manages complex projects and department budgets, and promotes innovation and continuous improvement. The manager provides strategic direction and hands-on leadership to engineering teams, overseeing production improvement projects from concept through completion. The role uses CAD/CAM systems, production automation technologies, and manufacturing execution systems (MES) to improve operations while ensuring compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and AS9100. It includes managing engineering budgets, evaluating capital equipment investments, and leading cost-reduction initiatives. The role collaborates with operations, quality, and supply chain teams to implement technical manufacturing solutions. It also develops and mentors manufacturing engineers, builds technical capability, and cultivates continuous improvement. The manager upholds company values, holds team members accountable, and provides leadership during technological advancement and organizational change.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree.
Several years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience, including a significant portion in a managerial or leadership role.
Deep understanding of manufacturing engineering principles, lean manufacturing concepts, and process optimization methodologies.
Experience leading cross-functional manufacturing engineering teams and managing complex production improvement projects from concept through implementation.
Ability to translate strategic manufacturing initiatives into actionable operational plans while meeting quality standards, cost targets, and production deadlines.
Strong technical proficiency with manufacturing systems and technologies, including CAD/CAM systems and production automation.
Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing industry standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems relevant to production environments.
Track record implementing process improvements that enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
Ability to uphold and model company values while holding team members accountable in dynamic manufacturing environments.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (Master's or MBA) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field.
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification.
Extensive experience implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and digital manufacturing solutions.
Expertise with manufacturing execution systems (MES) implementation and optimization.
Direct experience with ISO 9001, AS9100, or other relevant quality management system certifications and audits.
Strong financial acumen and experience managing significant engineering budgets and capital equipment investments exceeding industry benchmarks.
Track record of developing high-performing engineering teams and building organizational capability through mentoring and talent development.
Experience leading manufacturing operations through significant technological transformation or organizational change initiatives.
Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent professional certification.
Experience in regulated industries with complex compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership to manufacturing engineering teams.
Lead cross-functional teams in developing and implementing advanced manufacturing solutions.
Oversee production improvement projects from concept through completion.
Translate strategic manufacturing initiatives into actionable operational plans.
Apply lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and Industry 4.0 technologies to improve operations.
Use CAD/CAM systems, production automation technologies, and manufacturing execution systems to optimize manufacturing.
Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems.
Manage engineering budgets, evaluate capital equipment investments, and lead cost-reduction initiatives.
Collaborate with operations, quality, and supply chain teams to implement technical manufacturing solutions.
Develop and mentor manufacturing engineers and build technical and organizational capability.
Foster innovation and a culture of continuous improvement.
Communicate technical manufacturing solutions to diverse audiences and hold team members accountable.