Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Ultimate Staffing; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing agency seeks an Engineering Manager to oversee all engineering activities, focusing on quality and production operations. Key responsibilities include directing NPI efforts, managing tooling design, and leading process improvement initiatives. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, at least 5 years of management experience, and extensive knowledge of metals processing and aerospace manufacturing. Strong expertise in 3D CAD and ERP systems is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of technical management experience required.
• Extensive knowledge of metals processing and aerospace manufacturing preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in program management.

Responsibilities

• Direct NPI efforts and manage tooling and die design using 3D CAD.
• Lead process redesigns to reduce costs and improve product quality.
• Supervise CNCTech Specialists and machinists, monitoring schedules and KPIs.

Skills

Tooling expertise

Process design

Cost estimation

Advanced Excel

Technical problem-solving

Decision-making

Quantitative analysis

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

3D CAD (CATIA V5)

Forging simulation (DEFORM 2D/3D)

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Overview

The Engineering Manager leads all engineering activities within the organization, supporting quality, production operations, facilities, and the ERP infrastructure. This role oversees design engineering, product/process development, NPI leadership, CNC programming, cost estimation, and provides engineering support across the organization while coordinating with suppliers, vendors, and customers. The Manager shares leadership of the CNC machine shop and plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Engineering Leadership: Direct NPI efforts to meet business goals, manage tooling and die design using 3D CAD and forging simulation, oversee cost estimation and engineering contract reviews, and handle MRP-specific BOM and process creation. Provide vendor and customer technical support.
• Process Improvement: Lead process redesigns to reduce costs and improve product quality. Implement process control improvements, enhance ERP/MRP processes, collaborate on KPI development and tracking, and co‑lead root cause analysis and corrective action plans for quality issues.
• CNC Shop Management: Supervise the CNC Technical Specialist and machinists, monitor resource allocation and schedule adherence, establish KPIs, and support make‑or‑buy decisions.
• Continuous Improvement: Co‑lead company‑wide CI efforts, including 6S initiatives; develop improvement methodologies, train team members, and support cost‑control measures.
• Supervision: Hire, train, and manage employees while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and performance expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of technical management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of metals processing, aerospace manufacturing, and structured CI programs (closed‑die forging experience preferred).
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (CATIA V5), forging simulation (DEFORM 2D/3D), and ERP/MRP systems.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in driving change, program management, and communication across a manufacturing organization.

Skills and Requirements

• Strong understanding of tooling, process design, and cost estimation.
• Advanced Excel and quantitative analysis abilities.
• Technical problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Strong math and reasoning capabilities for analyzing data and processes.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Combination of sitting, walking, and standing with occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.
• Shop floor presence required approximately 60% of the time.
• Moderate noise levels and occasional exposure to airborne particles or vibration.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.