Production Engineering Manager

Redwire Defense Tech•Ann Arbor, MI

7d•$130,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Engineering Manager leads a team of engineers responsible for optimizing production processes, improving product quality, reducing costs, and ensuring manufacturing efficiency. This role focuses on driving continuous improvement, supporting new product introductions, and maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity within the manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field.
12+ years of experience working in a hands-on production environment.
10+ years managing manufacturing development projects and handling multiple projects.
4+ years in a leadership role.
Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience with CAD, ERP/MRP systems, and statistical process control (SPC).
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
Knowledge of regulatory standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, FDA, etc., as applicable).
Successful application of engineering and manufacturing processes.
Previous experience managing project work and designs on a variety of simultaneously running projects.
Ability to utilize MS Office and other engineering software programs.
Ability to mentor and teach Lean, DFMA, Six Sigma, and FMEA principles.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a rapidly changing environment.
Ability to manage multiple projects and be comfortable reacting to changing priorities.
Respond to and implement changes suggested in projects to the product design.
Understand customer (internal and external) needs and anticipate requests.
Obtain quality results while utilizing an appropriate level of resources.
Ability to make decisions based on incomplete data. Methodical and expedient in selecting options with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Lean certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of production engineers.
Establish clear performance goals and provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and professional development.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance throughput.
Utilize lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and improve manufacturing operations.
Partner with design, R&D, and operations teams to ensure smooth transition of new products into production.
Develop and validate new manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment.
Coordinate prototype builds and production readiness reviews.
Oversee the specification, procurement, installation, and maintenance of production equipment.
Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend upgrades to improve competitiveness.
Collaborate with Quality and Supply Chain teams to ensure process capability, product quality, and regulatory compliance.
Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), PFMEA, and Control Plans.
Develop and manage the manufacturing engineering budget.
Optimize allocation of resources, labor, and capital to support business objectives.
Use problem solving tools and techniques to urgently root cause issues.
Compile data and provide to Business Development team for periodic technical reports that keep our customers informed of project status and overall product development.