Senior Engineering Manager - Columbus Plant

Abbott•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Senior Engineering Manager oversees operations engineering activities at a manufacturing site and ensures products are manufactured consistently to Abbott quality standards and market demands. The role manages engineering activity across multiple product lines and shifts, supports automated manufacturing processes, and drives operational efficiency and continuous improvement. The position leads end-to-end project management, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk mitigation, project audits, and prioritization. It also manages department financial planning, builds and develops a diverse engineering team, and works across functions such as R&D, Quality, Clinical, and Regulatory to meet quality, cost, and supply chain objectives. The role ensures compliance with FDA, GMP, quality, environmental, health, and safety requirements. The position is based at Abbott’s Columbus Plant in the United States. The posted base pay is $129,300 to $258,700, with potential variation by location. The work shift is listed as standard, and travel is not required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a closely related discipline.
At least 8 years of significant engineering, project management, and/or operational experience.
Extensive experience managing operations engineering activities at a manufacturing site, preferably in a highly regulated industry.
Proven experience leading large-scale automated manufacturing lines, with a focus on performance and continuous improvement.
Experience managing teams, including hiring, employee development, and succession planning for a diverse engineering workforce.
Experience leading components of large, complex projects, including scope, schedule, budgets, and risk registers.
A career history demonstrating a consistent series of significant contributions and accomplishments.
Strong knowledge of FDA and GMP requirements, Environmental, Health & Safety regulations, Quality Management Systems, and Environmental Management Systems.
Deep understanding of automated manufacturing processes in a manufacturing-site context.
Expertise in project management, including budgeting, scheduling, and cross-functional collaboration.
Leadership skills in building, managing, and developing high-performing engineering teams.
Familiarity with strategic planning and implementation within a global, matrixed organization.
Ability to listen to and understand others’ viewpoints and communicate one’s perspective tactfully and respectfully in conversation, writing, and presentations.
Demonstrated ability to present major programs and obtain upper-management buy-in.
Interpersonal skills to negotiate and reconcile differences while optimizing divisional goals.
Technical background in healthcare, nutritional products, laboratory diagnostics, medical devices, or pharmaceutical companies.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Subject Matter Expert or Independent Technical Expert on specialized technical matters.
Project Management certification.
SS Greenbelt certification.

Responsibilities

Oversee operations engineering activities across multiple product lines and shifts at a manufacturing site.
Ensure the performance, output, and continuous improvement of automated and partly automated manufacturing lines and processes.
Anticipate and resolve high-level issues and conflicts that affect operational success.
Lead end-to-end project management to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Set project priorities and make decisions among competing projects and programs.
Identify strategic and tactical risks and develop early assessment and mitigation strategies.
Set and monitor performance and value indicators; lead project audits covering scope, schedule, quality, and cost, and make adjustments as needed.
Improve operational efficiencies and optimize manufacturing processes.
Build productive relationships with colleagues, customers, contractors, and vendors, and follow through on commitments.
Lead department financial budget planning and multi-year planning.
Hire, retain, develop, coach, and mentor a diverse engineering team, including providing ongoing performance feedback.
Support development of new and existing products, materials, and manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Lead cross-functional relationships with R&D, Quality, Clinical, Regulatory, and other departments to meet quality, cost, and supply chain objectives.
Develop, implement, and monitor systems and procedures to ensure compliance with FDA, GMP, and other regulatory requirements.
Uphold company initiatives and ensure compliance with Quality Management Systems, Environmental Management Systems, and Environmental, Health & Safety requirements.

Benefits

Clean, well-lit, temperature-controlled production areas.
Training and career development, including onboarding programs for new employees.
Tuition assistance and tuition reimbursement.
Competitive compensation, incentives, and retirement plans.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as wellness and occupational health programs.
Medical benefits start on day one.
120 hours of accrued vacation in the first year, prorated, plus a vacation buy program, five personal days, and ten paid holidays.
Retiree healthcare program.
401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match.
Freedom 2 Save student debt program.
FreeU education benefit providing an affordable and convenient path to a bachelor’s degree.
Potential eligibility for free medical coverage in the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.