Engineer Manager

DURHAM Manufacturing; Durham (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Durham Manufacturing Company in Durham, CT seeks an Engineering Manager to lead engineering operations, continuous improvement, and automation initiatives on the shop floor. This role collaborates with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, and Production to drive performance and implement strategic improvements.

You will report to the VP of Engineering & Project Management and manage a team of engineers, balancing hands-on leadership with strategic direction in a fast-paced manufacturing

Job description

Engineering Manager

The Durham Manufacturing Company | Durham, CT | Full-Time | Manufacturing Environment

Are you a hands-on engineering leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? Durham Manufacturing is seeking an experienced and driven Engineering Manager to lead engineering operations, continuous improvement initiatives, automation efforts, and process optimization at our Durham, CT facility.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with strong floor presence and technical involvement. The Engineering Manager will work closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, and Production teams to improve manufacturing performance, drive accountability, support automation initiatives, and implement operational improvements across the facility.

This position reports directly to the VP of Engineering & Project Management and plays a key leadership role within the organization.

What You\'ll Do Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the engineering team while promoting a collaborative and results-driven culture
• Establish clear expectations, priorities, accountability, and performance standards
• Support and reinforce Durham Manufacturing\'s core values:
• Be eager to learn
• Deliver above and beyond
• Be a team player
• Focus on solutions
• Embrace change
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Safety teams to support plant performance and operational goals

Operational & Technical Leadership

• Provide hands-on support on the production floor, troubleshooting equipment, manufacturing processes, and technical issues in real time
• Support manufacturing operations including:
• Stamping
• Forming
• Welding
• Fabrication
• Powder coating and finishing
• Automation systems
• CNC equipment and robotics
• Work directly with supervisors and operators to improve production efficiency and minimize downtime
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for production and process issues
• Drive engineering solutions that improve safety, quality, throughput, and operational performance

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce scrap, and optimize labor utilization
• Lead and support Lean manufacturing initiatives, including 7S and Kaizen activities
• Drive cost reduction projects related to labor, materials, equipment, and manufacturing processes
• Support automation and capital improvement projects from concept through implementation
• Develop RFQs (Request for Quotes) for capital equipment and collaborate with vendors on implementation solutions

EOS Execution & Project Management

• Participate in and contribute to Level 10 (L10) meetings by providing updates on engineering priorities, metrics, and challenges
• Own and drive quarterly Rocks related to engineering, process improvements, and operational initiatives
• Utilize EOS tools including Scorecards, IDS (Identify, Discuss, Solve), and Issues Lists to support accountability and execution
• Manage engineering projects from planning through implementation while ensuring alignment with company goals
• Collaborate with Durham Manufacturing\'s Mexico facility and Texas warehouse on engineering initiatives and best practices as needed

Quality & Compliance

• Support manufacturing processes that align with ISO standards and internal quality expectations
• Partner with Quality teams on customer complaints, corrective actions, CAPA initiatives, and process improvements
• Maintain engineering documentation and support document control standards

What We\'re Looking For

• Bachelor\'s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• 5-10+ years of progressive engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience required
• Strong background in metal fabrication, stamping, welding, or similar industrial manufacturing processes preferred
• Experience with automation, robotics, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lean manufacturing experience required; Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred
• Experience working within EOS or similar performance management systems preferred
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and communicate effectively across departments
• Comfortable working both in an office environment and directly on the production floor

Why Join Durham Manufacturing?

• Join a company with over 100 years of manufacturing excellence and innovation
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on manufacturing operations and engineering strategy
• Collaborative and team-oriented environment with strong leadership visibility
• Hands-on leadership role with exposure to multiple areas of manufacturing and operations
• Growth-focused culture committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and employee development