Senior Manager, Engineering

AirLife • Grand Rapids, MI

4d

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Engineering plans, organizes, mentors, and directs engineering staff to meet company objectives for new product design, process development and improvement, design changes, and cost-saving projects. The role includes managing people and departmental operations, including recruitment, training, performance appraisal, work assignment, employee relations, and issue resolution.

The position oversees engineering activities for new and existing products, capital projects, process development, product and process changes, and the injection molding machine shop. It works with other departments to resolve processing issues and serves as a technical contact with government agencies. The role also manages engineering budgets, procedures, documentation, and resources, while promoting continuous improvement, quality, safety, accountability, inclusion, and employee development.

The role requires 10–14 years of combined engineering and supervisory or management experience, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish. Travel is up to 10%, with occasional overnight travel.

Requirements

• 10–14 years of combined engineering and supervisory or management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of fundamental plastics processes, including injection molding, extrusion, RF welding, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding, dip molding, and assembly, as well as related equipment and instruments.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and governmental practices.
• Basic understanding of automation processes used in assembly, vision systems for inspection, and high-speed packaging equipment.
• Knowledge of injection mold design, fabrication, maintenance, and repair, and of machine shop operations, machining processes, tooling, and safety practices.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and apply advanced mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical concepts.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills at all organizational levels, including strong customer communication skills.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret a wide variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and work with abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to manage and mentor technical staff.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, mentor, and direct engineering staff to meet company objectives for product design, process development and improvement, design changes, and cost-saving projects.
• Provide clear direction, coaching, and performance management to support team development and achievement of company goals.
• Align team objectives with company priorities, ensure compliance, promote accountability, and uphold company values.
• Participate in recruitment and support fair treatment in disciplinary processes.
• Promote continuous improvement, innovation, operational excellence, and adoption of best practices.
• Support employee engagement, inclusion, career development, talent reviews, and succession planning.
• Manage the team’s budget responsibly and demonstrate financial accountability.
• Manage capital projects, review capital requirements, track spending, and coordinate implementation with other teams.
• Oversee the injection molding machine shop, including participation in new mold design and development and management of mold maintenance and repairs.
• Hire, train, and appraise staff.
• Manage engineering aspects of new and existing products.
• Qualify and document product and process changes.
• Work with other departments to resolve processing issues.
• Develop, qualify, and implement new processes.
• Provide manufacturing training so associates understand product use and requirements.
• Represent the Engineering Department professionally and serve as a technical contact with government agencies.
• Manage engineering budgets; create engineering procedures; and approve drawings, procedures, engineering changes, specifications, and protocols or reports.
• Prioritize department activities and determine resource requirements.
• Uphold company values and promote quality, safety, respect, dignity, diversity, and a positive team environment.
• Use time and company resources efficiently, perform work accurately and thoroughly, and ensure policies and guidelines are followed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Bereavement leave
• Employee Assistance Program resources
• Medical leave benefits
• Certain positions may be eligible for bonus, commission, or other incentive compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior