Engineering Manager

Synectics Inc.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) benefits

Job summary

Synectics Inc. in Peoria, IL is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to provide strategic and technical leadership for the engineering function. You will oversee projects, establish design standards, drive product innovation, and ensure deliverables meet timelines and technical requirements.

The ideal candidate will mentor a high-performing team, collaborate with customers, production, sales, and other stakeholders, and lead continuous improvement initiatives while traveling as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or active pursuit of licensure required.
• Minimum 7 years of engineering experience including leadership responsibility.
• Strong proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor).
• Experience leading technical engineering projects with limited supervision and building high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain engineering design standards and performance expectations.
• Lead and oversee engineering personnel to meet timelines and technical requirements.
• Collaborate with customers to understand equipment requirements and product specs.
• Drive development of customized and innovative product solutions.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, functional, and cost-effective in collaboration with production and sales.
• Oversee continuous improvement initiatives and integration of new technologies.
• Develop and maintain systems for project tracking, design review, QA, and documentation.
• Provide technical direction and manage project risks with sound decisions.
• Represent engineering in customer, vendor, and industry interactions.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop engineering team members and promote accountability.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer license

Tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to provide strategic and technical leadership for the engineering function. This role will oversee engineering projects, establish design standards, drive product innovation, and ensure engineering deliverables are completed effectively and efficiently.

The ideal candidate is a proactive and analytical engineering leader who can make sound technical decisions, develop effective processes, and lead a team while working closely with customers, production, sales, and other internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain engineering design standards, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Lead and oversee engineering personnel to ensure projects are completed within established timelines and technical requirements.
• Work directly with customers to understand equipment requirements, performance expectations, and product specifications.
• Lead the development of customized and innovative product solutions.
• Collaborate with production and sales teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, functional, and cost-effective.
• Oversee product modifications, continuous improvement initiatives, and the integration of new technologies.
• Develop and maintain systems for project tracking, design review, quality assurance, and engineering documentation.
• Provide technical direction and make independent decisions regarding complex engineering matters and project risks.
• Represent the engineering function professionally in customer, vendor, and industry interactions.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop engineering team members while promoting accountability and professional growth.
• Establish processes that improve project execution, engineering quality, and team performance.
• Support the development and implementation of long-term engineering strategies and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or active pursuit of licensure required.
• Minimum 7 years of engineering experience, including engineering leadership responsibility.
• Strong proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD software, including AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical engineering projects with limited supervision.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing engineering teams.
• Strong mechanical engineering, product design, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience designing heavy equipment, off‑highway equipment, mining equipment, or large fabricated products.
• Experience working closely with manufacturing and production teams.
• Experience with customized product development and engineering solutions.
• Experience establishing engineering standards, processes, and quality systems.
• Experience with continuous improvement and new product development initiatives.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead and develop an engineering team.
• Opportunity to work on innovative, customized engineering projects.
• Direct involvement in product development from concept through production.
• Collaboration with customers, manufacturing, sales, and technical teams.
• Opportunities for professional growth and technical leadership.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) benefits.

Travel

• This position requires occasional domestic and international travel based on business and project requirements.