Engineering Manager

Ellos HR Solutions; Kitchener, Cambridge, Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellos HR Solutions is partnering with a highly established Tier 2 automotive manufacturer in the Kitchener-Cambridge area to recruit an experienced Engineering Manager. This role leads engineering programs and a team of program managers to drive launches, manufacturability, and continuous improvement.

Qualified candidates bring strong engineering management experience in automotive manufacturing, extensive APQP/PPAP knowledge, and a track record of cross-functional leadership with Manufacturing,

Qualifications

• Strong engineering management experience within automotive manufacturing.
• Experience leading program managers, engineers, or technical teams.
• Solid 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Engineering mgmt experience

Automotive industry

Program management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

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