Engineering Lead Strategic Projects

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.; Salina (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. in Salina, KS is looking for an experienced Engineering Team Lead to head the Strategic Project Group. This role involves leading a team focused on high-impact initiatives and ensures the successful delivery of innovative products and technology advancements.

The ideal candidate will possess strong engineering skills and leadership experience, alongside a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related fields. The position is full-time and on-site, typically working Monday through Thursday.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of engineering experience in construction equipment or heavy machinery.
• 2+ years of supervisory or management experience leading teams.
• Proficient in critical thinking and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Strategic Project Group in executing engineering initiatives.
• Manage complex projects from concept to production.
• Drive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.

Skills

Leadership skills

Critical thinking

CAD tools proficiency

Engineering expertise

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CAD tools (e.g., Creo, CATIA)

Job description

Engineering Team Lead – Strategic Projects

Salina, KS

Great Plains Manufacturing, a proud Kubota subsidiary, is seeking an experienced Engineering Team Lead to lead the Strategic Project Group in Salina, KS. The Engineering Team Lead – Strategic Project Group is responsible for leading a team of engineers focused on the development and execution of high‑impact strategic initiatives within GPM. This role provides technical leadership, project oversight, and people management to ensure successful delivery of new products, technology advancements, cost optimization efforts, and business‑critical engineering programs.

The ideal candidate combines strong engineering expertise with leadership skills, driving cross‑functional collaboration to accelerate innovation, improve product performance, and support the company's long‑term growth strategy.

This is an on‑site position based in Salina, KS and typically works Monday through Thursday from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Occasional out‑of‑state travel is required.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the Strategic Project Group in identifying, prioritizing, and executing engineering initiatives aligned with business objectives.
• Manage complex, cross‑functional projects from concept through production implementation.
• Lead cost reduction and value engineering initiatives across the CE Attachments portfolio.
• Develop project plans, resource strategies, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation plans.
• Drive technology development, product innovation, and competitive differentiation within the GPM product portfolio.
• Identify opportunities to reduce material, manufacturing, logistics, and warranty costs while maintaining or improving product quality and performance.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Sourcing teams to implement design‑to‑cost strategies.
• Drive standardization, component commonization, and product simplification efforts.
• Support make‑versus‑buy evaluations and strategic supplier engagement activities.
• Manage multiple engineering projects concurrently from concept through production, setting priorities, schedules, budgets, etc.
• Provide regular project status updates and recommendations to engineering and business leadership.
• Follow all Great Plains and OSHA safety regulations and wear prescribed safety and protective equipment.
• Other duties may be assigned that require additional qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment.

Preferred Skills And Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural or BioSystems Machinery Engineering, or related engineering discipline from a four‑year college or university.
• 7+ years of engineering experience in construction equipment, heavy machinery, agricultural equipment, or related industries.
• 2+ years of supervisory or management experience leading cross‑functional teams.
• Critical thinking to define projects and create critical project requirements.
• Proficient with CAD tools such as Creo, CATIA, Windchill and FEA applications.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex engineering projects.
• Able and willing to travel out of state for multiple days for defined projects.