Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Kids for the Future; Byron Township (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids for the Future is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to oversee process design, tooling, and maintenance for a low-volume, high-mix production environment. The role drives continuous improvement, capacity planning, and equipment reliability across shifts.

You will lead a team of engineers, technicians, and maintenance staff, partnering with Quality and Lean to deliver reliable processes and scalable growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years’ experience in manufacturing engineering in low-volume, high-mix environments.
• Directly managed both engineering/technical staff and a maintenance organization.
• Experience in lean manufacturing principles and methodologies.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies and automation.
• Ability to lead through multi-shift operation and organizational change.

Responsibilities

• Own process design, work instructions, tooling, fixturing, and layout for a low-volume, high-mix environment.
• Lead capacity planning and process capability work to support manufacturing and launches.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean initiatives in partnership with Lean.
• Own root cause analysis and permanent corrective action for chronic issues with Quality.
• Manage capital project scoping, justification, and implementation for improvements.
• Explore and implement advanced manufacturing techniques and Industry 4.0 concepts.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Manufacturing engineering

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing/industrial engineering

Job description

• Employee Type FT Salary Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Manage Others Yes

Description

Position Summary: The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for the technical performance and physical reliability of GRC's manufacturing operation. This role is directly responsible for three functions: Manufacturing Engineering (process design, tooling, capacity, and continuous improvement), Engineering Technicians (process support, troubleshooting, and floor-level technical execution), and Maintenance (equipment uptime, preventive maintenance, and facilities reliability). The Manufacturing Engineering Manager reports to the VP of Operations and translates strategic and operational priorities into engineered processes, reliable equipment, a technically capable floor organization, and is a key partner in the ongoing culture transformation and second shift scale-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Engineering
  
  
  
  • Own process design, work instructions, tooling, fixturing, and layout for a low-volume, high-mix product environment.
  
  
  • Lead capacity planning and process capability work to support manufacturing, new product launch needs with ownership over “M” builds, and second shift growth.
  
  
  • Drive continuous improvement and lean initiatives (standard work, cycle time reduction, changeover reduction) in partnership with the Lean function.
  
  
  • Own root cause analysis and permanent corrective action for chronic process, quality, and yield issues, in partnership with Quality.
  
  
  • Manage capital project scoping, justification, and implementation for process and equipment improvements.
  
  
  • Explore and implement advanced manufacturing techniques, automation, and Industry 4.0 concepts to enhance production capabilities.
  
  
  
  


• Direct day-to-day technician support of production, including line troubleshooting, first-run support, and engineering change implementation on the floor.


• Ensure technician coverage and response time meet the needs of both shifts.


• Maintenance
  
  
  
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive maintenance strategy to ensure the reliability and up time of manufacturing equipment and facilities.
  
  
  • Build and manage a PM schedule, spare parts strategy, and maintenance response process that supports two-shift operation.
  
  
  • Own facilities reliability (utilities, building systems) as it affects production continuity.
  
  
  • Manage maintenance labor planning, including coverage across shifts and contractor/vendor relationships for specialized work.
  
  
  
  


• Leadership / Cross-Functional
  
  
  
  • Serve as a core member of the Operations leadership team, partnering with Manufacturing, Quality, Scheduling/Materials, Lean, and Product Engineering.
  
  
  • Develop and execute a strategic capital investment plan that aligns with the company's growth.
  
  
  • Build and lead a team of engineers, technicians, and maintenance staff consistent with GRC's culture transformation goals — accountability, floor engagement, and standard work discipline.
  
  
  • Support and coach the team for growth in learning and practicing lean manufacturing.
  
  
  • Manage departmental budgets effectively, ensuring cost control and resource allocation for successful project execution.
  
  
  • Hire and develop teams’ skills and career progression, including cross-training and succession planning
  
  
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.


• 7+ years’ experience in manufacturing engineering, ideally in a low-volume, high-mix or job-shop environment.


• Prior experience directly managing both engineering/technical staff and a maintenance organization.


• Experience in lean manufacturing principles and methodologies.


• Experience with and knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and automation


• Demonstrated ability to lead through a multi-shift operation and a period of organizational change.

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