Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Winchester Interconnect; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Winchester Interconnect is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a team focused on efficient, reliable production of connectors and cable assemblies. You will drive process design, equipment improvements, and manufacturing best practices to meet safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost objectives.

The role requires a Bachelor's in a related engineering field, 7+ years in manufacturing engineering, and 3+ years of leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in manufacturing engineering, preferably in connectors, cables, or electromechanical assembly.
• 3+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of cable assembly, connector manufacturing, crimping, soldering, molding, and electro-mechanical assembly processes.
• Experience with Lean / Six Sigma methodologies (certification preferred).
• Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and ERP/MRP systems.
• Familiarity with process validation, DOE, and statistical analysis.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Manufacturing Engineers and Process Engineers with coaching and development.
• Identify, analyze, and improve manufacturing processes using lean principles and Six Sigma.
• Drive continuous improvement with time studies, data-driven insights, and waste reduction.
• Oversee design and optimization of manufacturing processes for connectors, cables, and electromechanical components.
• Establish standard time, capacity and manpower models; perform capacity and bottleneck analysis.
• Ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance (IPC/WHMA, ISO 9001).
• Own equipment procurement, installation, validation, and maintenance strategies.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Planning, and Finance to support NPI and line setup.
• Track metrics like scrap, efficiency, downtime, and yield; report engineering performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

At Winchester Interconnect, we always do the right thing, the right way. Winchester Interconnect is committed to inspiring the most innovative teams. We foster a dynamic, inclusive environment that thrives on collaboration and continuous growth. We hire exceptional people, celebrate wins, empower employee growth, and provide opportunities to thrive. Winchester is where potential transforms into purpose, and every team member plays a vital role in shaping our shared success.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading, developing, and mentoring the Manufacturing Engineering team to ensure efficient, reliable, and scalable production of connectors, cable assemblies, and related components. This role oversees process design, equipment improvement, workflow optimization, and the implementation of manufacturing best practices to support safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost objectives.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in connectors, cables, or electromechanical assembly.
• 3+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of cable assembly, connector manufacturing, crimping, soldering, molding, and electro-mechanical assembly processes.
• Experience with Lean / Six Sigma methodologies (certification preferred).
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and ERP/MRP systems.
• Familiarity with process validation, DOE, and statistical analysis.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail and continuous improvement focus.
• Ability to move around the production floor, lift up to 25 lbs occasionally, and work near manufacturing equipment.

Our core values - Accountability, Collaboration, and Empowerment (ACE) - are the foundation of how we operate and drive success. You will take ownership of your contributions, collaborate with a team that gets stuff done, and be empowered to innovate and pursue bold initiatives that drive our business forward.

Are You Our Next ACE?

• Lead and manage a team of Manufacturing Engineers and Process Engineers, ensuring clear goals, coaching, and professional development.
• Process Optimization:Identify, analyze, and improve manufacturing processes to reduce waste, enhance productivity, and improve product quality using lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Continuous Improvement:Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, such as time studies on the shop floor, recommending changes and implementing solutions based on data-driven insights.
• Prioritize and assign engineering projects based on business needs, customer requirements, and production constraints.
• Oversee the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes for connectors, cable assemblies, and electromechanical components.
• Establish IE fundamentals including standard time, capacity and manpower models
• Perform capacity, manpower and bottleneck analysis
• Ensure processes meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements (e.g., IPC/WHMA standards, ISO 9001).
• Approve process documentation, standard work, PFMEAs, control plans, and work instructions.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste, improve flow, and increase throughput.
• Own projects that improve equipment reliability, reduce cycle time, and increase manufacturing capacity.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues, quality concerns, and customer complaints.
• Manage the selection, procurement, installation, and validation of equipment and tooling.
• Oversee preventive maintenance strategies in partnership with Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Ensure engineering support for crimping automation, soldering processes, molding, testing equipment, and cable cutting/stripping technologies.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Product Engineering to support new product introduction (NPI) and ensure new line set up and manufacturability
• Partner with Quality Engineering to maintain process capability and reduce defects.
• Collaborate with Production Planning to address capacity constraints and forecast future needs.
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Production, Quality, Planning, and Finance.
• Track and report engineering performance metrics (e.g., scrap, efficiency, downtime, yield).
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation of processes, equipment specs, and engineering changes.
• Foster a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement, accountability, and problem-solving.
• Support ERP data setup (routing, work center, labor time).

Systems You'll Use

• Google Enterprise
• ADP

Pay Transparency

Winchester Interconnect Corporation is committed to pay transparency. The pay range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000 per year, plus incentive compensation. Exact salary will be contingent upon your experience, education, skills, and any other factors Winchester Interconnect Corporation considers relevant to the hiring decision.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. In addition to federal law requirements, Winchester Interconnect complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Winchester Interconnect expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.