Production Engineering Manager

JMJ Phillip Group; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; GBP 70,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

JMJ Phillip Group seeks an experienced Production Engineering Manager for a leading automotive manufacturer in the Chattanooga area. You will lead Engineering, Maintenance, Tooling, and Facilities teams, driving Lean initiatives, improving equipment reliability, and supporting new product introductions and ramp-ups.

The ideal candidate has hands-on leadership, 10+ years in manufacturing, and a proven track record of operational improvements in high-volume settings such as automotive, with strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline; 10+ years of relevant manufacturing experience.
• 5–8+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams, manufacturing projects, or technical operations.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing, preferably automotive or similar complex industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of process improvement, Lean/Six Sigma, equipment reliability, new product launches, and manufacturing quality systems.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage capital projects, troubleshoot complex manufacturing challenges, and drive measurable operational improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Engineering, Maintenance, Tooling, and Facilities teams supporting high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Oversee manufacturing processes, automation, equipment reliability, tooling, and production support systems.
• Lead new product implementation, process validation, equipment installation, and production ramp-up activities.
• Drive continuous improvement, Lean initiatives, equipment efficiency, cost reduction, and process optimization.
• Manage capital projects and budgets while collaborating with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and other internal teams.

Skills

Leadership

Engineering expertise

Lean/Six Sigma

Automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related

Tools

ERP/MES platforms

Industrial automation systems

Job description

A leading automotive manufacturer seeking an experienced Production Engineering Manager to lead engineering, maintenance, tooling, and facilities functions within a high-volume manufacturing environment in the greater Chattanooga, Tennessee, area. This role will play a key part in improving production processes, equipment reliability, automation, new product implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader with experience in automotive or other high-volume manufacturing environments, strong engineering leadership experience, and a track record of improving operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Engineering, Maintenance, Tooling, and Facilities teams supporting high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Oversee manufacturing processes, automation, equipment reliability, tooling, and production support systems.
• Lead new product implementation, process validation, equipment installation, and production ramp-up activities.
• Drive continuous improvement, Lean initiatives, equipment efficiency, cost reduction, and process optimization.
• Manage capital projects and budgets while collaborating with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and other internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline, with 10+ years of relevant manufacturing experience.
• 5–8+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams, manufacturing projects, or technical operations.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing, preferably within automotive or a similarly complex industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of process improvement, Lean/Six Sigma, equipment reliability, new product launches, and manufacturing quality systems.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage capital projects, troubleshoot complex manufacturing challenges, and drive measurable operational improvements.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with automated manufacturing, robotics, injection molding, assembly, or other advanced production technologies.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, IATF 16949, TPM, or similar manufacturing methodologies.
• Six Sigma, PMP, or related professional certification.
• Experience with ERP/MES platforms, manufacturing software, or industrial automation systems.