Engineering Manager – Design & Prototyping Lead

The Planet Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is hiring an Engineering Manager in Chicago to lead a team of 10–20 design engineers focused on cost-effective design solutions for standard and custom applications. You will drive CAD data for manufacturing and oversee design, prototyping, and process improvements to meet timelines and budgets.

Responsibilities include coordinating with sales, producing drawings, BOMs, and ensuring high quality while prioritizing cost savings.

Qualifications

• Degree preferred.
• 3+ years experience as a Manager in a wood or metal manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of multi-materials including wood, metal, plastics, glass, etc.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing techniques in wood/metal industries.
• Proficiency with 3D solid modeling, preferably Autodesk Inventor.
• Exposure to Autodesk AutoCAD and Vault or equivalent.
• Working understanding of ERP software.
• Ability to express oneself professionally using verbal and written communications.
• Ability to problem-solve quickly and effectively.
• Ability to produce under pressure of timelines and customer demands.
• Ability to prioritize and work independently on multiple small projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 10-20 engineers, drafters, and designers.
• Produce fixture design and drawings for internal and customer review.
• Incorporate efficient, best-practice methods in design and drawings.
• Manage custom projects to ensure on-time completion.
• Source and develop information for efficient production and cost reduction.
• Create assembly and installation drawings for production and client.
• Coordinate with production/manufacturing to ensure design flow.
• Create Bills of Materials for all wood/metal products and maintain revisions.
• Prioritize cost savings across processes with value engineering.
• Involve in assembly of prototypes.
• Follow manager instructions and perform other duties as required.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Professional communication

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

Degree preferred

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

AutoCAD

Autodesk Vault

ERP software

Job description

The Planet Group is hiring an Engineering Manager in Chicago to lead a team of 10–20 design engineers focused on cost-effective design solutions for standard and custom applications. You will drive CAD data for manufacturing and oversee design, prototyping, and process improvements to meet timelines and budgets.

Responsibilities include coordinating with sales, producing drawings, BOMs, and ensuring high quality while prioritizing cost savings.