Lead Mechanical Engineering Manager - Custom Automation

Sterling Engineering; Rochester Hills (MI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Michigan is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead and develop a team of about 14 Mechanical Engineers in custom automation and advanced manufacturing environments.

This hands-on player-coach role emphasizes mentoring, solving complex design problems, improving standards, and driving DFM, DFA, and GD&T while coordinating with Electrical, Controls, and Manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Mechanical Engineering experience in custom automation or related fields.
• Strong hands-on mechanical design experience with automated machinery and robotics.
• Solid fundamentals in structural loading, shaft sizing, torque, pneumatics, tolerances, and safety factors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of ~14 Mechanical Engineers.
• Provide technical direction while granting ownership and autonomy.
• Coach engineers to strengthen technical capabilities and drive continuous improvement.
• Establish accountability, knowledge sharing, and design standardization.
• Recruit and develop engineering talent as the organization grows.
• Lead design reviews and support challenging technical problems.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD proficiency

Leadership

DFM/DFA

GD&T

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

Sterling Engineering in Michigan is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead and develop a team of about 14 Mechanical Engineers in custom automation and advanced manufacturing environments.

This hands-on player-coach role emphasizes mentoring, solving complex design problems, improving standards, and driving DFM, DFA, and GD&T while coordinating with Electrical, Controls, and Manufacturing teams.