Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Gentex Corp

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Gentex is a global technology company known for engineering excellence and innovation in demanding, highly regulated markets. We are looking for an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to oversee engineering operations throughout Europe. This role reports to the Senior Operations Director and will focus on driving manufacturing excellence in areas such as industrialization, automation, capital expenditure (CAPEX), facilities management, and continuous improvement. The goal is to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost-efficiency while developing a high-performing engineering team.

Requirements

Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
Significant Manufacturing Engineering leadership experience within a complex technical manufacturing environment.
A strong track record of improving safety, quality, productivity, cost, process capability, and operational performance.
Experience leading NPI, industrialization, process validation, and manufacturing improvement programs.
Demonstrable experience delivering CAPEX projects, factory layout changes, and manufacturing transformation initiatives.
Strong knowledge of tooling, equipment, automation, factory flow, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Experience leading and developing engineering teams through coaching and performance management.
Strong commercial awareness, data analysis, and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance immediate operational priorities and longer-term strategy.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to influence from the shop floor to senior leadership across international and cross-functional teams.
Competence with Microsoft Office, ERP/MRP systems, and CAD, together with the ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, routings, and manufacturing documentation.

Nice To Haves

Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or project management qualifications.
IOSH, NEBOSH, or an equivalent health and safety qualification.
SAP or a similar ERP platform.
Experience in Defence, aerospace, automotive, composites, plastics, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Experience with Facilities, maintenance, robotics, digital manufacturing, or international manufacturing projects.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team, setting clear objectives, priorities, and technical standards aligned with business strategy.
Establish engineering governance and standardization across Gentex Europe, building capability through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and performance management.
Own manufacturing process definition, including routings, layouts, standard work, cycle times, work instructions, and process controls.
Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, equipment utilization, labor efficiency, and factory flow using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 6S, value stream mapping, and structured root cause analysis.
Provide technical leadership to resolve process, tooling, equipment, and manufacturing issues through robust, permanent corrective actions.
Lead Manufacturing Engineering input into CAPEX projects, from technical specification and supplier engagement through installation, commissioning, and benefit realization.
Lead NPI and industrialization activity, ensuring design for manufacture, process validation, tooling readiness, pilot builds, operator training, and production handover are completed successfully.
Define and manage tooling, fixtures, gauges, production equipment, and automation requirements throughout their lifecycle, identifying opportunities to deploy advanced manufacturing technologies.
Lead the Facilities and Maintenance function across Gentex Europe, ensuring buildings, utilities, site services, and production infrastructure operate safely, reliably, compliantly, and cost-effectively.
Lead engineering support for product transfers, facility projects, and major operational transformation, ensuring manufacturing knowledge, documentation, process capability, and operator readiness are established before transfer.
Partner with Production, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, and global stakeholders to deliver engineering changes, validation, technical problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
Ensure manufacturing engineering activity complies with health, safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements, including PFMEA, validation, risk assessment, and change control.