Engineering Manager

OtterBase; Utica (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

OtterBase is seeking an Engineering Manager to direct site-wide engineering resources, ensuring safe, on-time delivery of initiatives and optimal performance. You will lead cross-functional teams, translate strategic goals into actionable plans, and drive discipline and continuous improvement across the manufacturing site.

The role requires strong leadership, hands-on technical expertise with CAD tools, and a track record of mentoring engineers from junior to senior levels.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of pre-employment screening.
• Plex experience preferred.
• SolidWorks, Solid Edge, and AutoCAD experience preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with a minimum of five (5) years of related experience OR minimum of ten (10) years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Responsibilities

• Takes appropriate measures to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
• Drives delivery of engineering commitments, ensuring projects, programs, and launches are executed on time, within scope, and aligned with cost and quality targets.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and operational performance.
• Partners cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful execution.
• Lead, manage, and mentor engineering talent across skill levels from junior to senior.

Skills

Plex experience

SolidWorks

Solid Edge

AutoCAD

Team leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Job description

Directs and coordinates activities of all site-specific Engineering resources to obtain optimum efficiency, safety, and performance of operations. Ensures disciplined delivery and execution of engineering initiatives through effective leadership, cross functional collaboration, and clear communication, performed personally or through team members.

Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Takes appropriate measures to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all employees
• Fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement,where mutual respect and ownership result in motivated teamwork
• Identifies and provides opportunities for growth and development of team members

Delivery & Execution:

• Owns delivery of engineering commitments, ensuring projects, programs, and launches are executed on time, within scope, and aligned with cost and quality targets
• Drives new product launch effectiveness, meeting both cost and timing objectives
• Translates business and operational strategies into clear, actionable engineering execution plans
• Establishes disciplined execution rhythms, including milestone tracking, risk identification, and escalation when necessary
• Develops, owns, and monitorskey measurable tracking, reporting, and action plans to achieve established targets
• Effectively allocates engineering resources to support operational, customer, and business priorities
• Removes barriers to execution by proactively addressing technical, capacity, and process constraints

Engineering Operations & Continuous Improvement:

• Drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency, and operational performance
• Establishes standards and policies for installation, modification, operating procedures, inspection, maintenance of equipment, and contingency planning
• Develops and maintains equipment capacity plans and future plant layouts to support growth and continuous improvement
• Oversees effective use of the Engineering Change System
• Supports or leads new product development and program launches as required
• Maintains responsibility for day-to-day priorities of all Engineering resources

Collaboration & Communication:

• Partners cross‑functionally with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful execution
• Represents Engineering in cross functional meetings, ensuring technical input supports overall business objectives
• Communicates priorities, plans, progress, and risks clearly and consistently to leadership, peers, and team members
• Facilitates effective problem‑solving through inclusive, data‑driven discussions
• Supports and participates in employee meetings to communicate company, supplier, and customer information
• Reinforces professional, respectful, and solution‑oriented communication practices across the team

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and hold accountability for all Engineering resources
• Recruit, onboard, and retain engineering talent
• Conduct regular one‑on‑one meetings, performance reviews, and career development discussions
• Mentor and coach engineers across skill levels, from junior to senior

Qualifications / Experience / Education

• Successful completion of pre‑employment screening (e.g., drug test, background check)
• Plex experience preferred
• SolidWorks, Solid Edge, and AutoCAD experience preferred
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with a minimum of five (5) years of related experience OR Minimum of ten (10) years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Prior metal forming, flow forming, machining, and automation experience preferred
• Demonstrated technical team leadership and management experience