Project Engineer Manager

Kato Cable LLC•Mankato, MN

2d•$85,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Kato Cable is seeking a strong engineering leader to manage its Project Engineering function. This role involves solving complex problems, leading teams, improving processes, and collaborating across departments. The ideal candidate will balance technical expertise with leadership, accountability, and a customer focus. The role will lead new product launches, manufacturability reviews, prototype and first builds, process improvement and automation, cross-functional problem solving, and mentoring engineering talent within a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or contract manufacturing environment with increasing engineering responsibility.
Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), manufacturability review, quoting support, and first production builds.
Strong understanding of engineering documentation including BOMs, routings, prints, and work instructions.
Experience leading cross-functional projects and solving complex technical or operational issues.
Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strong organizational, communication, and prioritization skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems.
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Outlook
ERP/MRP systems
CAD software (AutoCAD or equivalent)
General computer and internet proficiency

Nice To Haves

Prior leadership experience in a formal leadership or team lead capacity preferred.
Strong engineering expertise and understanding of manufacturing and contract manufacturing operations
Ability to solve large, complex problems and implement effective solutions
Ability to establish expectations and hold teams accountable
Strong collaboration and communication skills across departments
Desire to improve systems, automate processes, and drive operational excellence
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong analytical and decision-making skills
Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to responsiveness and execution
Ability to mentor, coach, and develop technical talent
Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for building scalable processes
Experience leading a Project Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering team in a high-mix manufacturing environment.
Experience with cable assemblies, wire harnesses, control panels, or electromechanical assemblies.
CAD experience including AutoCAD or equivalent design software.
Experience supporting production ramp-up activities and first-build execution.
Familiarity with UL, ISO, IPC, and customer compliance requirements.
Experience implementing automation, KPI systems, or workflow/process improvements within engineering operations.

Responsibilities

Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the Project Engineering team (Project Engineers, technicians, interns); establish clear expectations, priorities, and accountability.
Own departmental capacity planning and assignment of resources; track and manage multiple projects to meet customer commitments and internal milestones.
Serve as the escalation point for complex technical issues; lead structured problem-solving, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation.
Partner with Purchasing, Manufacturing Engineering, Customer Service, Quality, Production, and Management to align priorities, remove barriers, and deliver results.
Provide technical customer support and communication; participate in customer meetings to clarify requirements, present solutions, and resolve issues.
Ensure robust manufacturability reviews for new and existing programs; identify design/process improvements that reduce cost and improve quality and throughput.
Oversee creation and review of engineering deliverables (prints, BOMs, work instructions, routings, receiving logs, shipping instructions) to ensure accuracy and standardization.
Establish and maintain drawing/design standards and controlled documentation; ensure compliance with applicable requirements (ISO documentation, UL compliance/audits, IPC standards).
Drive continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Lean, value stream mapping, cost reduction); lead cross-functional projects and kaizens from charter through sustainment.
Develop, monitor, and report department KPIs; facilitate regular department meetings to review performance, set actions, and self-correct.
Champion automation and standard work within engineering processes (tools/templates/workflows) to improve speed, quality, and repeatability.
Ensure effective use and integration of ERP and engineering systems; promote data integrity and best practices across the team.
Support Manufacturing Engineering as required; ensure smooth handoffs from quoting to launch to production and sustainment.