Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Grand Rapids Chair Company; Byron Township (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand Rapids Chair Company is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to drive technical performance and reliability of our manufacturing operation. This role leads Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technicians, and Maintenance, translating strategic priorities into engineered processes and reliable equipment on the floor.

You will partner with leadership to implement lean improvements, capital projects, and Industry 4.0 initiatives, building a capable, accountable team across two

Qualifications

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, 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Job 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.

Engineering Technicians

• 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.