Senior Design Engineering Manager

Palmer Group; Independence (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Palmer Group in Independence, IA is seeking a hands-on Senior Design Engineering Manager to lead a team responsible for sustaining and enhancing a portfolio of engineered products. This role blends people leadership with technical oversight to ensure products are manufacturable, reliable, and cost-effective.

You will develop engineers, drive quality and manufacturability improvements, collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Service, and Sales, and oversee ECN/ECO processes while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with engineered products in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and hydraulic/structural systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of product design engineers supporting production and in-market products.
• Drive continuous improvement for quality, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Service, and Sales to resolve challenges.
• Oversee ECN and ECO processes with timely, well-documented changes.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal standards.
• Use field performance data to improve durability and product performance.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

DFMEA

ECN/ECO processes

Job description

Are you a hands-on engineering leader who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys developing teams, improving products, and driving operational excellence? We are seeking a Senior Design Engineering Manager to lead the team responsible for sustaining and enhancing a portfolio of engineered products. This role combines people leadership with technical oversight and cross-functional collaboration to ensure products remain manufacturable, cost-effective, reliable, compliant, and aligned with business objectives.

Work Model:

• On-Site
• Full-Time
• Limited travel as required

What You Will Do:

• Provide leadership and professional development for a team of product design engineers focused on supporting production and in-market products
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, manufacturability, reliability, and cost optimization
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Service, and Sales teams to support production and resolve technical challenges
• Oversee engineering change notice (ECN) and engineering change order (ECO) processes to ensure accurate, timely, and well-documented implementation
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry regulations, safety requirements, and internal engineering and quality standards
• Utilize DFMEA, warranty information, lessons learned, and field performance data to improve durability, reliability, and product performance

What You Will Need to Be Successful:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Experience supporting engineered products within a manufacturing or production environment
• Strong technical background in mechanical systems, hydraulics, structures, and manufacturing processes
• Proven leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills