Engineering Manager

Ellos HR Solutions; Kitchener, Cambridge; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP match

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development

Company-paid PPE

Strong retention culture

Job summary

Ellos HR Solutions, in partnership with a highly established Tier 2 automotive manufacturer in the Kitchener-Cambridge area, is recruiting an experienced Engineering Manager. The role requires Tier 2 automotive experience and solid program management leadership.

You will lead three Program Managers and oversee programs from planning to production, ensuring quality, timing and manufacturability while driving continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration across Manufacturing, Quality

Qualifications

• Requires strong engineering management experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Automotive industry experience, preferably Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier.
• Proven experience leading program managers, engineers or technical teams.
• Solid understanding of automotive program management, launches, manufacturing processes, and execution.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, GD&T and customer-specific requirements.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Tooling, Operations and Sales.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Engineering function and direct a team of three Program Managers.
• Oversee automotive programs from initial planning through launch and production.
• Ensure projects meet customer requirements for quality, timing, cost and manufacturability.
• Provide technical and leadership support for APQP, PPAP and product launches.
• Partner with Operations to identify manufacturing improvements and resolve challenges.
• Review program performance, milestones, resources, risks and priorities with the leadership team.
• Support customer-facing technical discussions and ensure alignment with automotive requirements.
• Coach and develop the Program Management team and strengthen accountability and technical capabilities.
• Engage with senior leadership on engineering strategy, capital projects and growth.

Skills

Engineering Management

Automotive industry experience

Program management leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

APQP PPAP PFMEA GD&T

Leadership communication

Manufacturing process knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Job description

Ellos HR Solutions is partnering with a highly established Tier 2 automotive manufacturer in the Kitchener-Cambridge area to recruit an experienced Engineering Manager.

Experience with a Tier 2 is a must.

Solid experience with Program Management

This is one of those opportunities where the company culture and employee retention really stand out.

The manufacturing facility has approximately 150 employees, and it's not unusual to meet people who have spent 15, 20, or even more years with the organization. The average tenure is around 20 years. Something you simply don't see very often in manufacturing.

They invest heavily in their people, promote professional development, and have built an environment where employees genuinely build long-term careers.

What We're Looking For

• Strong Engineering Management experience within automotive manufacturing
• Automotive industry experience is a MUST, ideally with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Proven experience leading Program Managers, Engineers, or technical teams
• Strong understanding of automotive program management, product launches, manufacturing processes, and engineering execution
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, GD&T, engineering changes, and customer-specific requirements
• Experience working cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Tooling, Operations, Sales, and customers
• Strong understanding of project timing, capital requirements, tooling, manufacturing feasibility, and continuous improvement
• Experience with steel manufacturing, metal forming, or related processes is considered a strong asset
• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the Engineering function and provide direction to a team of three Program Managers
• Oversee automotive programs from initial planning and development through launch and production
• Ensure engineering projects meet customer requirements for quality, timing, cost, and manufacturability
• Provide technical and leadership support for APQP, PPAP, product launches, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Partner with Operations and other departments to identify manufacturing improvements and resolve technical challenges
• Review program performance, project milestones, resource requirements, risks, and priorities with the leadership team
• Support customer-facing technical discussions and ensure engineering deliverables remain aligned with automotive requirements
• Coach and develop the Program Management team while strengthening accountability and technical capabilities
• Work directly with senior leadership on engineering strategy, capital projects, operational improvements, and future growth

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Compensation: Competitive Salary + Bonus
• RRSP: Company provides a 100% match on employee contributions up to 4%
• Benefits: Comprehensive drug, medical, vision, and dental coverage with multiple plan options
• Training & Development: Strong investment in employee development, including support for continuing education and schooling
• PPE: Company-paid and provided
• Culture & Stability: Exceptional employee retention, outstanding working environment, and a workforce where long-term careers are the norm.

If you're an experienced Engineering Manager from the automotive, aerospace & defense or military industry looking for a company where you can genuinely build a long-term career, this is an opportunity worth discussing.