Head of Advanced Manufacturing & NPD Launch

Grey Search + Strategy; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Grey Search + Strategy seeks an Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers focused on new product launches, automation, and Industry 4.0 deployment across multiple product lines including Air, Liquid, and Chiller systems.

You will own MES strategy, drive capital equipment projects, and ensure smooth handoffs to sustaining production with a focus on safety, quality, and scalability in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• 8–10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience leading new technology deployment, automation, or process launches.
• Strong knowledge of DFM/DFA, FMEA, Lean Six Sigma, and structured launch methodologies.
• Experience specifying, justifying, and managing capital equipment projects.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a technical engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Advanced Manufacturing Engineers, setting technical direction and building capability in automation, controls, and advanced process design.
• Own development and implementation of manufacturing processes, technology, and capital equipment for new product development from concept through stabilized production.
• Specify and procure capital equipment; develop and justify capital project budgets.
• Lead product/process transfers and new line launches with cross-functional teams to meet NPDI milestones.
• Apply launch methodologies (DFM/DFA, FMEA, 3P, Lean Six Sigma) ensuring safe, capable processes.
• Provide multi-site technology deployment support across Gradian's network.
• Mentor cross-functional NPD engineering processes and build organizational capability.
• Develop and drive automation and Industry 4.0 roadmap and MES strategy.
• Ensure well-documented handoffs of new processes into sustaining production.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing engineering

DFM/DFA

FMEA

Lean Six Sigma

Automation

Capital equipment budgeting

Cross-functional collaboration

MES experience

HVAC/thermal management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

MES implementation

PLC-based controls

Automation systems

Job description

Grey Search + Strategy seeks an Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers focused on new product launches, automation, and Industry 4.0 deployment across multiple product lines including Air, Liquid, and Chiller systems.

You will own MES strategy, drive capital equipment projects, and ensure smooth handoffs to sustaining production with a focus on safety, quality, and scalability in a fast-paced environment.