Technical Manager

ADAC•Muskegon, MI

6d•$115,000 - $168,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Manager is responsible for leading all Manufacturing Engineering, Controls Engineering, Process Engineering, Technical Operations, and Workforce Development functions within ADAC’s automotive Assembly manufacturing department. This role provides leadership for engineers, technicians, and technical specialists while ensuring safe, capable, repeatable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes that meet customer, quality, delivery, launch, and continuous improvement objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably within a Tier 1 supplier environment.
Minimum of 3 years of experience leading engineers, technical specialists, process technicians, maintenance personnel, or cross-functional technical teams.
Demonstrated experience improving manufacturing processes, equipment performance, quality results, and production efficiency.
Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, structured problem solving, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, and automotive quality systems.
Ability to lead technical teams across shifts and support a fast-paced manufacturing operation.
Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships and to build a positive rapport with all levels of the organization (up, down and sideways).
Ability to take initiative and work independently
Strong planning, organizational and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to listen attentively and actively
Excellent communication skills both oral and written
Ability to facilitate both small and large groups in formal presentations, working meetings, business reviews and informal discussions

Nice To Haves

Experience with PLC programming, robotics, vision systems, machine safety, automation integration, or controls troubleshooting.
Experience in assembly, molding, paint, welding, machining, stamping, or other high-volume automotive manufacturing processes.
Experience supporting customer launches, run-at-rate events, capability studies, and customer audits.
Experience building skills matrices, technical training programs, succession plans, or formal employee development systems.

Responsibilities

Lead Manufacturing Engineering, Controls Engineering, and Process Technician teams to support daily production objectives while ensuring safe, capable, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing operations.
Establish priorities and deploy technical resources to address production performance, customer requirements, equipment reliability, quality concerns, launch activities, and continuous improvement opportunities.
Provide technical leadership for manufacturing processes, automation systems, controls infrastructure, and production equipment to optimize throughput, quality, labor efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Drive structured problem-solving and root cause analysis activities to resolve production, quality, and equipment issues through sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
Oversee the development, implementation, validation, and documentation of manufacturing processes, engineering changes, controls modifications, and equipment improvements.
Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Program Management teams to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, support product launches, and ensure customer requirements are achieved.
Lead the specification, installation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment, automation systems, robotics, PLCs, vision systems, and supporting technologies.
Develop technical capability across the organization through training programs, skills matrices, mentoring, performance coaching, cross-training, and succession planning initiatives.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and automotive industry standards, including APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and IATF 16949 requirements.
Support customer audits, technical reviews, process validations, run-at-rate activities, and new product launches while ensuring manufacturing readiness and operational excellence.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement through effective communication, employee development, and leadership engagement across all shifts.