Engineering Manager

The Panther Group; Milford (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Panther Group is seeking a seasoned Mechanical Engineering Leader to drive automation projects from concept through installation and commissioning. You will lead cross-functional teams, engage with customers, and ensure designs meet performance and quality expectations.

This role demands a strong background in mechanical, electromechanical, and control systems, with hands-on mentoring of engineers and close collaboration with purchasing, manufacturing, and field service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in mechanical or automated systems design and development.
• Experience leading a technical engineering team.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Familiarity with PLC programming and industrial automation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of customer solutions, including design proposals, quotations, technical specifications, and applications engineering activities.
• Work directly with customers to understand technical requirements, develop solutions, and provide engineering support throughout the project lifecycle.
• Design and oversee the development of automated machinery and systems, including mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, thermal, robotic, and control systems.
• Lead and mentor engineering personnel responsible for the design, development, and fabrication of machinery and automated equipment.
• Coordinate engineering activities with purchasing, manufacturing, assembly, inspection, shipment, installation, and field service to ensure successful project execution.
• Ensure automation systems meet engineering requirements, customer specifications, performance objectives, quality standards, and established cost parameters.
• Evaluate equipment and systems in the field, troubleshoot performance issues, and recommend design modifications to improve reliability, functionality, and overall system performance.
• Collaborate with customers, vendors, and internal teams to resolve technical issues and ensure projects remain aligned with scope, schedule, and budget.
• Manage engineering operating expenses within established budgets and provide regular reporting on financial and operational performance.
• Represent the company at trade shows, customer meetings, applications engineering activities, and other business-related events as needed.
• Travel as required to support customer relationships, project development, installations, and field applications.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication

CAD

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Salesforce CRM

PLC programming

Microsoft Office

Job description

The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering background, demonstrated experience leading technical teams, and a solid understanding of automation, controls, and integrated system design. This role combines engineering leadership, customer engagement, applications engineering, project oversight, and operational management to deliver high-quality automation solutions from concept through installation and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of customer solutions, including design proposals, quotations, technical specifications, and applications engineering activities.


• Work directly with customers to understand technical requirements, develop solutions, and provide engineering support throughout the project lifecycle.


• Design and oversee the development of automated machinery and systems, including mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, thermal, robotic, and control systems.


• Lead and mentor engineering personnel responsible for the design, development, and fabrication of machinery and automated equipment.


• Coordinate engineering activities with purchasing, manufacturing, assembly, inspection, shipment, installation, and field service to ensure successful project execution.


• Ensure automation systems meet engineering requirements, customer specifications, performance objectives, quality standards, and established cost parameters.


• Evaluate equipment and systems in the field, troubleshoot performance issues, and recommend design modifications to improve reliability, functionality, and overall system performance.


• Collaborate with customers, vendors, and internal teams to resolve technical issues and ensure projects remain aligned with scope, schedule, and budget.


• Manage engineering operating expenses within established budgets and provide regular reporting on financial and operational performance.


• Represent the company at trade shows, customer meetings, applications engineering activities, and other business-related events as needed.


• Travel as required to support customer relationships, project development, installations, and field applications.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, or a related technical field.


• Minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the analysis, design, and development of mechanical or automated systems.


• Previous experience managing or leading a technical engineering team preferred.


• Strong knowledge of mechanical system design and automated machinery.


• Proficiency with CAD software; SolidWorks experience preferred.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with CRM and sales platforms such as Salesforce preferred.


• Working knowledge of PLC programming and industrial automation systems preferred.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect and evaluate data, establish facts, identify root causes, and develop sound technical solutions.


• Ability to apply mathematical concepts and analytical techniques relevant to engineering, testing, reliability, and system performance.


• Ability to interpret and communicate complex technical information, including engineering drawings, specifications, diagrams, and technical instructions.


• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently while providing effective leadership and direction to engineering and cross-functional teams.