Engineering Manager

Rockstar; Eau Claire (WI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rockstar is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead the engineering department, ensure projects meet customer needs and safety standards, and mentor team members. You will collaborate with Sales, Production, and other teams to drive design reviews, process improvements, and on-time delivery.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and a hands-on approach to design, testing, and field support, with travel as needed in a hybrid office and production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Previous experience in a similar role or industry is a plus.
• Strong technical proficiency with advanced computer skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering department, setting goals, monitoring performance, and fostering professional growth; supervise engineers and design technicians, providing guidance.
• Oversee project management, plans and maintains schedules from sales order to delivery, ensuring proper resourcing and priority for on-time delivery.
• Coordinate cross-department communication with Sales, Production, and other teams to resolve design and scheduling issues.
• Oversee the Engineering Process and Design Review, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Develop conceptual designs and guide Engineer-to-Order (ETO) product development, from initial concept through final production.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and conduct testing for final product validation.
• Collaborate with Sales and customers to recommend solutions, estimate costs, and troubleshoot application challenges.
• Provide technical support during installations, including on-site assistance and field issue resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on cost reduction, process efficiency, and product reliability.
• Support new product development and R&D, including design justification and documentation.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships, ensuring adherence to specifications during installations and deployments.
• Develop advanced engineering tools and techniques for design, modeling, and analysis.
• Maintain and improve departmental SOPs, resource allocation, and workload balance for timely project completion.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational success.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Organizational skills

Communication

Multitasking

Decision making

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Rockstar is recruiting for a leading engineering solutions provider that specializes in designing and manufacturing custom equipment for a variety of industries. Our client is a well-established company with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and innovation. They are dedicated to delivering exceptional products and services to their customers.

Job Summary

As the Engineering Manager, the individual will lead and manage the engineering department, ensuring projects meet customer needs and safety standards. They will supervise and mentor team members, coordinate with various departments, and maintain quality through the Engineering Process and Design Review. The role includes providing conceptual designs, supporting projects throughout their lifecycle, and working with Sales and customers to recommend solutions and troubleshoot issues. Additionally, the Engineering Manager will drive process improvements and ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering department, setting goals, monitoring performance, and fostering professional growth; supervise engineers and design technicians, providing guidance
• Oversee project management, which plans and maintains schedules from sales order to delivery, ensuring proper resourcing and priority for on-time delivery
• Coordinate cross-department communication with Sales, Production, and other teams to resolve design and scheduling issues
• Oversee the Engineering Process and Design Review, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards
• Develop conceptual designs and guide Engineer-to-Order (ETO) product development, from initial concept through final production
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations (ANSI/SIA, OSHA, NEC) and conduct testing for final product validation
• Collaborate with Sales and customers to recommend solutions, estimate costs, and troubleshoot application challenges
• Provide technical support during installations, including on-site assistance and field issue resolution
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on cost reduction, process efficiency, and product reliability
• Support new product development and R&D, including design justification and documentation
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships, ensuring adherence to specifications during installations and deployments
• Develop advanced engineering tools and techniques for design, modeling, and analysis
• Maintain and improve departmental SOPs, resource allocation, and workload balance for timely project completion
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational success

Skills and Qualifications

• Proven leadership ability to motivate and guide teams effectively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills for cross‑functional collaboration
• Solid mechanical aptitude with advanced problem‑solving capabilities
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong decision‑making and conflict‑resolution skills
• Self‑motivated, goal‑oriented, and accountable with a proactive work ethic

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field
• Previous experience in a similar role or industry is a plus
• Strong technical proficiency, including advanced computer and software skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels
• Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem‑solving
• Willingness to travel as required for business needs

Physical Demands

• Office Work: Frequent sitting at a desk using a computer for design, analysis, and communication
• Standing/Walking: Occasional standing and walking
• Field Support: Ability to travel and work on‑site for installations or troubleshooting, which may involve climbing, bending, or working in confined spaces
• Manual Handling: Occasional lifting or moving of equipment or tools (up to 25-50 lbs)
• Visual Requirements: Extended periods of computer work requiring visual acuity for detailed design and analysis
• Use of Tools: Occasional handling of mechanical or electrical tools during testing or troubleshooting
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Must wear safety gear when in production or field environments

Mental Demands

• Leadership & Decision‑Making: High responsibility for managing teams, resolving conflicts, and making strategic decisions under pressure
• Complex Problem‑Solving: Ability to analyze technical issues, troubleshoot design and installation problems, and develop innovative solutions
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring compliance with safety standards, design accuracy, and quality control
• Multitasking: Managing multiple projects simultaneously, balancing priorities, and meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication for cross‑department collaboration, customer interactions, and technical documentation
• Analytical Thinking: Reviewing design specifications, cost estimates, and safety compliance requirements
• Stress Management: Handling tight timelines, customer expectations, and unexpected technical challenges
• Continuous Learning: Staying updated on engineering tools, safety regulations, and industry standards
• Strategic Planning: Driving process improvements, cost reduction initiatives, and long‑term product development goals

Work Environment

The Engineering Manager typically works in a hybrid setting that includes:

• Office Environment: Standard office conditions with computers, design software, and collaborative spaces; moderate noise level and minimal exposure to hazards
• Production Floor Exposure: Occasional visits to manufacturing or assembly areas; potential exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles; noise levels may range from moderate to loud, requiring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)