Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Gentex Corp•Manchester, NH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads the team responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining efficient production processes for manufacturing and testing noise-attenuating headsets, microphones, earplugs, communication systems, and complex integrated electromechanical assemblies in the Situational Awareness Value Stream. The role ensures products are manufactured safely, cost-effectively, and to high quality standards by driving process improvements, implementing new technologies, and supporting production operations. The manager collaborates with operations, quality, supply chain, product engineering, and maintenance teams to achieve operational excellence. The role calls for developing and leading cross-functional teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, championing automation technologies, and supporting factory continuous-improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as Mechanical, Industrial, or Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field.
At least 7 years of manufacturing engineering experience.
3–5 years of leadership or management experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization.
Experience with manufacturing systems, production equipment, and automation.
Proficiency with engineering and data analysis tools, including CAD, ERP, MES, and statistical software.
Expertise in process development, assembly fixture design, and manufacturing methods for electromechanical assemblies.
Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma (DMAIC), Kaizen, and process capability analysis.
Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks or equivalent), GD&T, and engineering drawing interpretation.
Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems and data analysis tools such as Excel, Minitab, Visio, and Project.
Excellent leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills at all levels and across the organization.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and deliver under pressure.
High analytical ability and data-driven decision-making.
Proven ability to create, foster, and work in a team-oriented environment.
Demonstrated root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
Strong knowledge of design for manufacturability and transition from design to production.
Direct experience with manual and CNC machining, including milling, turning, grinding, and cutting.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in engineering, manufacturing systems, or technical management.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience with Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, or advanced automation.
Electro-acoustic assembly experience.

Responsibilities

Manage, mentor, and develop manufacturing engineers, test engineers, and a machinist.
Set team goals aligned with company production and operational targets.
Assess staffing needs, conduct performance reviews, provide coaching and professional development, and allocate engineering resources.
Design, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes and workflows.
Lead process validation, capability studies, and equipment qualification.
Identify and implement improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, standardize processes, and improve product quality.
Apply lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous-improvement methodologies.
Provide technical support to production teams to resolve manufacturing and test issues.
Analyze production data to identify root causes of defects or inefficiencies and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Maintain manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and process standards.
Prepare manufacturing plans and lead manufacturing-readiness assessments for new product launches.
Support the NPI gate process, including design for manufacturability, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, process development, fixture design, and validation of critical processes.
Coordinate pilot builds and production ramp-ups.
Evaluate, select, and implement manufacturing equipment and automation solutions.
Oversee installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment, and work with maintenance teams to support equipment reliability and uptime.
Ensure manufacturing processes comply with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and company procedures.
Support audits and continuous improvement of quality systems, and partner with quality teams to reduce defects and improve yield.
Identify cost-reduction opportunities in materials, labor, and processes.
Develop and manage department overhead and capital equipment budgets with supporting return-on-investment justifications.
Drive productivity improvements and operational-efficiency initiatives.