Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Plug Power; Slingerlands (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Plug Power is seeking a Manager, Manufacturing Engineering to lead the team responsible for evolving manufacturing processes, reducing waste, and driving continuous improvement across the facility in New York.

You will mentor engineers, coordinate with cross-functional partners, manage NPI, and ensure quality and efficiency through KPI tracking and disciplined problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM; engineering preferred.
• 7+ years in engineering with at least 2 years supervising.
• Proven track record managing teams and driving manufacturing improvements.
• Strong leadership and coaching abilities.
• Experience with 8D, Six Sigma, or similar problem-solving methods.
• Experience with ERP, MS Excel/Access; budgeting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing engineering team to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop processes to increase output and reduce waste and cost.
• Coordinate NPI and cross-functional teams to improve manufacturability.
• Monitor and report KPI metrics for manufacturing performance.
• Collaborate with Production Manager and quality to ensure quality and continuity.
• Represent Plug Power professionally and drive customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem-solving

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

ERP systems

MS Excel

MS Access

Job description

The Manager, Manufacturing Engineering plays a vital role in the development and refinement of manufacturing processes and procedures, driving a culture of continuous improvement. This Manager will lead the Manufacturing Engineering team tasked to identify opportunities for ongoing improvement and to achieve the highest possible levels of product quality and manufacturing efficiency. By engaging effectively with cross‑functional partners within the business, the team will drive manufacturing improvement projects and educate stakeholders related to manufacturing best practices. This position will develop and lead initiatives to increase the output capability of the manufacturing facility, reduce manufacturing waste and cost, yield the highest levels of product quality, and track progress through the use of metrics and key performance indicators (KPI’s).

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Propose and evaluate alternative designs from a manufacturing perspective utilizing DFMA (design for manufacturing/assembly), PFMEA (process failure mode and affect analysis) and lean design and manufacturing principles.
• Review engineering drawing and evaluate appropriate manufacturing tools, fixtures, processes, CNC programs, bills of material or routings with the Manufacturing Engineering team and Suppliers.
• Identify, specify, document and implement manufacturing methods, procedures, tooling and equipment required to support manufacturing in the introduction of new and changed products and processes.
• Review and analyze manufacturing procedures, make recommendations for design and/or manufacturing methods and coordinate projects which will result in economical manufacturing costs and/or enhanced quality.
• Close coordination with Production Manager to support manufacturing process needs and alleviate constraints, including input to production technician training programs.
• Coordination of New Product Introduction and Engineering teams to improve New Product Introduction design for manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability.
• Cross‑functional coordination to develop and maintain a comprehensive equipment management process, in‑house fixture and tooling requirements, preventative maintenance requirements to increase our overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and fulfillment of the quality measurement system specifications.
• Work with the quality organization to ensure thorough and timely dispositions of non‑conforming material in order to maintain continuity of production and containment of problems before they reach the customer.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate manufacturing process performance metrics (KPI’s).
• Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner in all interactions; support the philosophy of the organization to provide high performing technology to maximize customer satisfaction
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field required; engineering preferred
• Minimum 7 years of engineering experience with at least 2 years of formal supervising experience
• Proven track record of managing teams and driving manufacturing improvement projects
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and pressure situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to contribute to and work on project teams.
• Capability to identify gaps and critical needs to meet team objectives.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills including daily communications with the team and with internal customers. Proven ability to coach and enable team development.
• Application of 8D, Six‑sigma or other standard problem‑solving methodologies.
• Strong organization and analytical skills; detail oriented.
• Proven experience with 5S to help drive workplace organization.
• Uncompromising dedication to product quality
• Strong organization and analytical skills; detail-oriented.
• Experience with a variety of software systems and information tools such as ERP systems, MS Excel, MS-Access and others.
• Capacity to balance multiple projects to completion.
• Ability to manage a budget/understand fiscal responsibility concepts
• In‑depth knowledge and demonstration of engineering principles and practices, components, and relevant software tools
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities
• Effective communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations
• Must be driven and self‑motivated.
• Must possess the highest ethical standards and a commitment to work quality.
• Role model for high standards of professionalism