Manager, Production Engineering

Leica Biosystems; Richmond (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Leica Biosystems in Richmond, IL, seeks a Manager, Production Engineering to lead the Production Engineering team and drive continuous improvements across the site. You will ensure reliable operation of production lines and deliver improvements in quality, efficiency, productivity, cost, and compliance.

You will partner with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D, manage projects from scoping to execution with clear plans, milestones, and risk management, and mentor engineers to build a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or related technical field.
• Progressive experience in production/ manufacturing/ operations leadership in a regulated environment.
• Lead complex cross-functional manufacturing projects with strong plans, milestones and outcomes.
• Experience coaching or developing engineers while owning project execution.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication and continuous improvement; DBS/Lean/Six Sigma/quality systems/change control preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Richmond Production Engineering team by setting priorities, clarifying ownership, and strengthening quality and productivity across the site.
• Lead high‑impact projects from scoping through execution with clear plans, milestones, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and measurable outcomes.
• Manage the production engineering project portfolio to improve KPIs including productivity, cost of quality, capacity, scrap, yield, and equipment reliability.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D at the site to drive improvements across all value streams.
• Use DBS tools and disciplined project management to identify root causes, remove barriers, and sustain improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Lean

Six Sigma

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Bring more to life

Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?

At Leica Biosystems, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.

You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.

At Leica Biosystems, we’re not just shaping the future of cancer diagnostics — we’re transforming lives. Our mission of “Advancing Cancer Diagnostics, Improving Lives” is the driving force behind everything we do. As a global leader with the most comprehensive portfolio spanning from biopsy to diagnosis, we empower clinicians with innovative, reliable solutions so they can give patients timely, accurate answers when they need them most. When you join Leica Biosystems, you’re not just taking a job; you’re becoming part of a passionate team that knows every moment matters when it comes to cancer. You’ll help develop diagnostic solutions that turn anxiety into answers, and aid the acceleration of next‑generation, life‑changing therapies. Surrounded by a diverse and collaborative global community, you’ll be inspired each day to stretch, grow, and make an impact.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

Position Summary

The Manager, Production Engineering for Leica Biosystems is responsible for leading the Production Engineering team to ensure reliable operation of production lines and deliver measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, productivity, cost, and compliance. This role serves as a technical leader for production engineering team to drive continuous improvement initiatives while strengthening operational discipline, and accountability for project execution across the factory.

This position is part of the Manufacturing Operations team located in Richmond, IL and will be on‑site. At Leica Biosystems, our vision is to advance cancer diagnostics and improve lives.

You will be part of the Operations Leadership Team and report to the Plant Manager responsible for leading Richmond manufacturing operations. If you thrive in a complex, high‑impact manufacturing environment and want to help build a world‑class manufacturing organization, read on.

In This Role, You Will Have The Opportunity To

• Lead the Richmond Production Engineering team by setting priorities, clarifying ownership, and strengthening quality and productivity across the site.
• Personally lead high‑impact production engineering projects from scoping through execution, using clear project plans, milestones, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and measurable outcomes.
• Manage the production engineering project portfolio to improve key operational KPIs, including productivity, cost of quality, capacity, scrap, yield, and equipment reliability.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D at the site to drive meaningful improvements across all value streams within the factory.
• Use DBS tools, disciplined project management practices, and problem‑solving process to identify root causes, remove execution barriers, and sustain improvements in quality, efficiency, productivity, cost, and compliance.

The Essential Requirements Of The Job Include

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred.
• Progressive experience in production engineering, process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or operations leadership within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross‑functional manufacturing projects with strong project plans, milestones, stakeholder alignment, and measurable business outcomes.
• Experience managing, coaching, or developing engineers or technical associates while maintaining personal ownership for direct project execution.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and continuous improvement capability; experience with DBS, Lean, Six Sigma, quality systems, or change control preferred.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in

• Medical device manufacturing in an FDA‑regulated environment, including familiarity with Quality Management System Regulation, ISO 13485, production controls, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Experience with process validation, equipment qualification, test method validation, change control, CAPA, nonconformance management, or other quality system processes tied to manufacturing improvements.
• Experience managing project portfolios with defined KPIs, governance routines, and benefits tracking across productivity, cost of quality, yield, scrap, capacity, equipment reliability, delivery performance, automation, and line capacity modeling.

Benefits

Leica Biosystems, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.

The annual salary range for this role is $140,000–$155,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k), to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or other form of compensation and benefits allocated to a particular employee remain in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law.

The U.S. EEO posters are available here.

For candidates who are based outside of New York City or who are applying for roles outside of New York City, for more information about conditions of any job offer please click here.

We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact:1-202-419-7762 or [e-mail].