Mechanical Project Engineering Manager

Hitachi•Holland, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is seeking a Mechanical Project Engineering Manager for an onsite position in Holland, Michigan. The manager leads, mentors, and develops the Mechanical Engineering department, directly supervises mechanical engineers and support personnel, and manages project staffing and workload to meet budgets and delivery schedules. The role supports program execution against cost, quality, timing, and customer-satisfaction goals, and works with Applications Engineering during project conception, proposal, and design to develop customer solutions. The position also involves designing and developing mechanical equipment and systems, providing technical guidance across project design, development, manufacturing, and installation, and leading cross-functional technical teams. The manager influences department and business-unit decisions, supports engineers’ career development, and drives improvements in engineering practices and workflows. Travel of up to 25% is required, including visits to customer and supplier sites, equipment installations, and other JR Automation locations; trips may be overnight or international. JR Automation describes its work as delivering intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions. The company has more than 2,000 employees and over 20 facilities worldwide. It offers competitive wages, medical benefits starting on the first day, paid parental leave, opportunities to work on custom automation projects, a collaborative engineering-driven environment, and career growth and skill-development opportunities.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience.
At least 2 years leading technical projects.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or AutoCAD.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience presenting to colleagues and company management.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees.
Persuasion and negotiation skills for critical issues.
Proficiency in applying standard and advanced engineering principles, practices, and procedures.
People-centric skills and demonstrated ability to positively influence engineers’ development and progression.
Ability to quickly recognize and resolve common engineering problems based on experience, including reviewing and critiquing others’ work.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, innovate, and work autonomously.
Ability to travel up to 25%, including overnight and international trips.

Nice To Haves

Current or prior JR Automation experience, or experience in the automation industry, is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop the Mechanical Engineering department.
Directly supervise mechanical engineers and support personnel, including performance management.
Manage project staffing and workload allocation, including direct, indirect, and overtime hours, to meet project demands, budgets, and schedules.
Support program execution by ensuring cost, quality, timing, and customer-satisfaction objectives are achieved.
Collaborate with Applications Engineering during project conception, proposal, and design phases to develop customer solutions.
Design and develop mechanical equipment and systems that meet customer requirements using sound engineering principles and industry best practices.
Drive continuous-improvement initiatives to enhance team efficiency, quality, and technical capability.
Provide technical guidance throughout project design, development, manufacturing, and installation.
Lead cross-functional technical teams throughout the lifecycle of projects and influence project direction and progress.
Support engineers’ career development and advancement through mentoring, coaching, leadership, and training.
Recognize and implement significant design and workflow improvements.
Collaborate with department leadership on methods to develop technical talent.
Review and critique engineering work and help resolve engineering problems.
Travel to customer and supplier sites, equipment installations, and other JR Automation locations, as required.