Value Stream Manager, Paint/Powder Coat Operations

MPE-Inc • Milwaukee, WI

20d • Onsite

About The Position

At MPE, we are dedicated to making a difference in the world through cutting-edge medical technology. Our mission is to be the global leader in design, engineering, and manufacturing solutions for the medical and technology industries. We are committed to creating impactful solutions that improve lives and fostering an environment where our team members can thrive, grow, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the medical field. A better career for you. Creating medical technology for all. We are seeking a dedicated Value Stream Manager, Paint/Powder Coat Operations to join our team. In this vital role, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the Paint and Powder Coating Value Stream — encompassing preparation, painting, post-processing, touch-up, and silkscreen operations — ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are consistently met. This role provides direct supervision and leadership to Area Leads and operators (15+ direct labor), driving daily execution through work order prioritization, schedule coordination, and accountability for productivity and quality performance within a low-volume, high-mix production environment. The Value Stream Manager coaches, trains, and mentors team members on safety protocols, operating procedures, and technical processes, while owning process adherence, parameter monitoring, and preventive maintenance to ensure consistent, in-spec production supporting electromechanical medical device assemblies. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where precision and teamwork matter, we’d love to hear from you!

Requirements

• A degree in a technical field such as operations management, engineering or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of operations management experience leading teams of 10–20 direct labor employees in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment preferred.
• Powder coating experience, including pre-treatment titration, process parameters, equipment operation, cure cycles, finish quality standards, and troubleshooting preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to analyze workflow efficiency, production issues, and quality concerns.
• Experience executing production schedules, managing resources, and adjusting workflow to meet changing demands, including use of ERP systems for tracking work orders, materials, and inventory.
• Proficient in interpreting and creating engineering drawings, technical documentation, and specifications, including product routings, bills of materials, and drawings.
• Proficient with power tools, hand tools, precision measurement instruments, and electrical testing equipment.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and 13485 Quality System requirements; knowledge of FDA regulations preferred.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives; Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Regularly required to climb stairs, lift up to 40 pounds, read and comprehend technical drawings and other documents
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities, make sound decisions under pressure, and review data, analyze reports, and observe operational processes, with accurate color perception

Nice To Haves

• Powder coating experience, including pre-treatment titration, process parameters, equipment operation, cure cycles, finish quality standards, and troubleshooting
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

Responsibilities

• Own full performance of the Powder Coating Value Stream — including preparation, painting, post processing, touch-up, and silkscreen operations — against safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Provide direct supervision of Area Leads and operators, including leading GEMBA daily stand-ups to align the team and resolve bottlenecks quickly.
• Assign shop orders, prioritize tasks, and optimize workforce efficiency to meet production goals; partner with Plant Manager and Master Scheduling to adjust schedules as needed and hold teams accountable for work order prioritization, transactional discipline, quality, and productivity.
• Assist in building the daily schedule, work priorities, and staffing plan across all shifts based on demand forecasts and available resources, adjusting plans as needed to meet changing demand or unexpected issues.
• Provide leadership, coaching, technical support and hands-on training to leads and operators on safety protocols, operating procedures, system transactions, operating parameters, testing methods, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting; train, coach, and mentor new employees and cross-train existing staff.
• Own process adherence, including ensuring process-monitoring interval checks are performed to validate parameters remain within optimal operating ranges, documenting corrective actions for near-limit or out-of-limit conditions, and ensuring preventive maintenance intervals are maintained.
• Address nonconformance reports (NCRs) in a timely manner including rework processing, root cause investigation to prevent recurrence.
• Monitor key performance metrics (safety, quality, productivity, efficiency) and departmental KPIs; identify and resolve bottlenecks and quality concerns in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Track and manage inventory of powders, hooks, plugs, masking materials, and department consumables, partnering closely with Purchasing personnel to satisfy production demand.
• Drive continuous improvement using lean manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen, etc.) to identify and implement improvements in the paint line and silkscreen areas, enhancing workflow efficiency, reducing waste, and lowering production costs.
• Serve as the key liaison between other production value streams and Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to resolve constraints and support new product launches.

Benefits

• Medical (HSA-qualified and traditional plans), dental, and vision—coverage starts the first of the month after hire.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Nine paid holidays and vacation time from day one.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree