Lead Manufacturing Engineer: Lean, Tooling & Automation

Mission Critical Group; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Critical Group (MCG) is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to provide technical leadership across manufacturing engineering, from design transition to production optimization. You will drive producibility, tool design, and continuous improvement, partnering with design, quality, and operations to ensure first-time-right manufacturing and customer satisfaction.

You will guide a team of engineers and technicians, lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, and implement new technologies while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, with at least 2–3 years of leadership or project management experience.
• Proven expertise in metal fabrication, welding, systems integration, power equipment installation, and production process improvement.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and quality management principles.
• Experience designing and implementing fixtures, tooling, and production equipment.
• Familiarity with UL, NEC, OSHA, and other relevant codes and safety standards.
• Proficient in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, nesting software, and MS Office tools.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership presence with a collaborative, hands-on approach.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or relevant certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, technical direction, and mentorship to the Manufacturing Engineering team.
• Collaborate with design, quality, and production teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, efficient, and safe.
• Perform producibility and capability analyses and feed results into design reviews and manufacturing plans.
• Develop, design, and validate tooling, fixtures, and equipment to support production processes.
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste, optimize flow, and improve process consistency.
• Drive value engineering activities to enhance performance and reduce cost without compromising quality or safety.
• Develop, document, and standardize manufacturing processes and best practices.
• Lead or assist in factory testing and validation, working cross-functionally with quality and operations.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies, materials, and automation systems to enhance manufacturing capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with safety codes, industry regulations, and company standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Lean

Six Sigma

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Multitasking

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Nesting software

MS Office tools

Job description

Mission Critical Group (MCG) is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to provide technical leadership across manufacturing engineering, from design transition to production optimization. You will drive producibility, tool design, and continuous improvement, partnering with design, quality, and operations to ensure first-time-right manufacturing and customer satisfaction.

You will guide a team of engineers and technicians, lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, and implement new technologies while