Engineering Manager, Manufacturing Operations

strongtie; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Strong-Tie is seeking an experienced hands-on Engineering Manager to lead engineering and lean manufacturing initiatives across a complex manufacturing environment. You will coach and develop team members while driving major facility layout initiatives in a newly expanded space to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost through engineering excellence.

You will lead cross-functional collaboration with safety, quality, operations, and supply chain to optimize processes, apply Lean Six

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Industrial Engineering, related field or equivalent work experience.
• 7+ years of experience in engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years' experience managing/supervising individuals and/or projects independently with decision making responsibilities.
• Technical Proficiency: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and project management methodologies (PMI preferred). Proficient in CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and project management software (MS Project, Smartsheet). PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams. Skilled in setting clear goals, fostering motivation, and supporting growth.
• Project & Program Management: Demonstrated success managing cross-functional programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design and implementation of new manufacturing and distribution processes, including facility layout.
• Define and drive engineering strategy aligning near-term actions with long-term innovation.
• Champion innovation and apply Lean, Six Sigma, and ergonomic methodologies to optimize flow and productivity.
• Ensure cross-functional alignment with safety, quality, operations, and supply chain to support SQDC objectives.
• Evaluate and improve processes using engineering principles and data analysis to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Lead cross-functional programs and manage CapEx portfolio with transparent updates to leadership.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Project management

Leadership

Team development

Communication

CAD

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

MS Project

Smartsheet

Job description

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.

Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.

Learn about our company culture directly from our team.

YOU

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced hands-on Engineering Manager to lead engineering and lean manufacturing initiatives across a complex manufacturing environment that includes high-volume progressive die stamping, low-volume/high-mix fabrication, and distribution operations. This role will be responsible for coaching, and developing team members and ensuring successful execution of engineering and lean projects that align with business objectives. The Engineering Manager will also lead a major facility layout initiative in a newly expanded space, driving improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) through engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING (% of Time)

Facility Layout & Operational Transformation ( 40% )

• End-to-End Process & Facility Optimization: Lead the end-to-end design and implementation of new manufacturing and distribution processes, including the strategic layout of facility space.
• Define and Drive Engineering Strategy: Craft and communicate a clear engineering vision, aligning near-term actions, mid-term capabilities, and long-term innovation with evolving customer and business needs.
• Champion Innovation: Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to guide strategic investments and operational transformation.
• Apply Lean Principles: Use Lean, Six Sigma, and ergonomic methodologies to optimize material flow, equipment placement, and workforce productivity.
• Ensure Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with safety, quality, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure facility designs support SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) objectives.

Process Evaluation & Improvement ( 40% )

• Evaluate and Improve Processes: Use engineering principles and data analysis to identify and implement improvements in manufacturing and distribution operations.
• Drive Results: Lead initiatives that enhance safety, product quality, delivery performance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement Sustainable Solutions: Collaborate with manufacturing leaders to solve systemic issues and implement long-term, scalable improvements.

Leadership & Team Development ( 10% )

• Build and Empower High-Performing Teams: Recruit, develop, and retain top engineering talent. Foster a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Enable Growth: Champion both personal and professional development by providing mentorship, technical training, career pathing, and stretch opportunities.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity, initiative, and a commitment to excellence. Create an inclusive environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and ownership.
• Standardize Excellence: Promote consistent, data-driven approaches to problem-solving, process design, and optimization. Encourage knowledge sharing and cross-functional learning.

Program & Project Management ( 10% )

• Lead Cross-Functional Programs
• Supports CapEx Portfolio: Oversee capital project planning, prioritization, budgeting, and execution. Provide transparent updates on project status, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Deliver Results: Ensure all projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet defined performance and value metrics.
• Optimize Project Execution: Continuously improve project management processes and tools. Implement change management strategies to embed best practices across teams.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Industrial Engineering, related field or equivalent work experience
• 7+ years of experience in engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years' experience managing/supervising individuals and/or projects independently with decision making responsibilities
• Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and project management methodologies (PMI preferred). Proficient in CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet). PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams. Skilled in setting clear goals, fostering motivation, and supporting both personal and professional growth.
• Project & Program Management: Demonstrated success managin