Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Keystone Distinction Group; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k with company match

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Discounts

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Referral Program

Climate controlled environment

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group seeks an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead the engineering team in designing, developing, and implementing high-volume injection molding processes for automotive components, ensuring OEM and industry standards.

The role emphasizes safety, quality, cost, and delivery, supporting IATF 16949 and lean manufacturing principles, with responsibilities spanning project launches, tooling, process validation, and continuous improvement across multiple shifts.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in automotive engineering with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Ten years in process engineering, tooling, equipment and process improvement.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and engineering projects.
• Knowledge of automotive quality standards and lean manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily activities of the engineering department across manufacturing and process.
• Drive process improvements and cost reductions using lean tools.
• Oversee new product launches, tooling and equipment installations.
• Ensure molded parts meet automotive quality, durability, and dimensional standards.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for engineering initiatives.
• Monitor KPIs like scrap rate, cycle time, OEE and downtime.

Skills

Leadership

Automotive manufacturing

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Quality control

Tools

CAD software

MS Office

Project management tools

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to join the team.

This position is responsible for leading the engineering team in design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes in a high-volume injection molding manufacturing environment. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager plays a key role in ensuring molded automotive components meet OEM and industry standards. This role ensures engineering solutions align with safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives, while supporting IATF 16949 standards and lean manufacturing principles.

They have been a leading source of plastics manufacturing, supplying the automotive industry for over 40 years. Through highly technical research and development, coupled with a diverse and knowledgeable Management Team and dedicated Associates, they have continued to grow each year. We provide customers with a wide range of full-service support from black-box design concepts to highly engineered composites, TPE's and TPO's as well as specialized extrusion and compression technologies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead and manage daily activities of the engineering department, including manufacturing, process, and engineering.
• Evaluate current process and GAP analysis from global standards and ensure all molded parts meet automotive quality, durability, and dimensional standards.
• Manage project launches, tooling equipment installations, and process validations.
• Drive process improvements, automation, and cost reduction using lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, etc.).
• Oversee new product launches, tooling, equipment installations, and process validation.
• Collaborate with team identifying process improvements and cost reduction opportunities to include scrap and usage.
• Oversee a team of Process Technicians, Engineers, and the Tooling team across multiple shifts.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful implementation of engineering initiatives.
• Responsible for tooling design, documentation, and assessments.
• Train and implement product and process improvements.
• Communicate standards and troubleshooting issues for new and existing improvements.
• Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer delivery timelines and volume targets.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and supply chain teams to resolve process issues.
• Monitor and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs) such as scrap rate, cycle time, OEE, and downtime.
• Drive a safety-first culture and enforce compliance with company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Support APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and control plant development.
• Maintain plant compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, OSHA, and customer-specific requirements.
• Develop and mentor Engineering, Tooling, and Assistant Molding Manager for skill enhancement and succession planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years of engineering experience in automotive manufacturing, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Minimum of ten years' experience in process engineering, tooling, equipment and process improvement
• Working knowledge of customer functional performance requirements
• In-depth understanding and application of concepts, theories, and principles position discipline
• Proven record in managing cross-functional teams and engineering projects.
• Prefer plastic injection molding (part design and processing) experience
• Automated and plastic materials experience
• Strong technical project management, manufacturing engineering, statistical process control capability, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent technical and mechanical aptitude
• Strong understanding of MRP, quality control, purchasing, and accounting
• Lean manufacturing experience a plus; to include 8D, 5 Why, and Six Sigma problem solving skills
• Willing and able to travel as necessary
• Proficient in CAD software, project management tools, and MS office

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to stand, walk, sit, talk or hear. Ability to lift 5-25 pounds.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

: General Office environment and manufacturing facility

WHAT IS OFFERED

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral Program
• Job Promotional Opportunities
• Climate controlled environment