Engineering Manager

Job Description

The Engineering Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and holding accountable (LMA) the engineering organization to deliver profitable, high-quality projects while developing a highly effective engineering team. This role combines strategic engineering leadership with direct oversight of execution, utilization, and performance metrics. The Engineering Manager ensures engineering resources are deployed effectively, project margins meet or exceed targets, and team members have the tools, training, and support required to perform at a high level. Success in this role is measured by the team’s capacity, development, satisfaction and health, integration project cycle time, margin performance, and utilization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Core Leadership Focus

Lead, Manage, and Hold Accountable (LMA) all first-level direct reports to clearly defined goals, performance expectations, and behavioral standards.
Ensure effective utilization of engineering resources, balancing workload against developmental time, skill sets, and project timelines.
Own overall project margin performance, ensuring results meet or exceed established targets.
Proactively manage team composition and development, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and succession planning.
Ensure the engineering team have and are accountable to use the tools, systems, processes, and resources necessary to execute work efficiently and accurately.

Engineering & Project Execution

Accountable to analyze current and forecasted workloads to align staffing with business demand and future staffing needs.
Assign and schedule engineering work based on competencies, availability, and project priorities.
Partner with Project Managers to monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement solutions that protect margin and schedule.
Support estimating and sales activities by providing engineering scope, labor modeling, and resource input.
Monitor project quality metrics and financial summaries; lead post-project reviews to drive continuous improvement.
Ensure the team resolves technical issues prior to and during implementation to ensure customer satisfaction.

Talent Development & Performance Management

Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of engineering staff.
Develop and execute structured onboarding to accelerate new hire effectiveness.
Conduct and document regular performance reviews and development planning for direct reports.
Ensure systems are in place to coach and mentor engineers to strengthen both technical capability and leadership readiness.
Proactively recommend compensation adjustments based on performance, contribution, and business impact.
Address performance issues positively and promptly, including coaching, PIPs, and disciplinary actions when required.

Process, Tools & Continuous Improvement

Develop, implement, and enforce engineering standards, procedures, and best practices.
Ensure effective use of engineering systems, CRM, project tracking, and timekeeping tools.
Continuously evaluate workflows, capacity, and tooling to improve productivity and profitability.

Safety, Compliance & Quality

Maintain compliance with OSHA, ISO, Workers’ Compensation, and applicable industry codes (UL508A, NFPA, NEC).
Ensure safety, quality, and compliance are embedded in engineering processes.

Organizational Contribution

Serve as an active member of the Operations Management Team, contributing to company-wide initiatives and strategic planning, as requested.
Collaborate cross-functionally to improve project delivery, operational consistency, and customer outcomes.
Communicate goals, expectations, and individual performance clearly across the engineering team.

Competencies

Cognitive Skills:

· Interpretation of Written Information

· Working Memory – Ability to recall stored, visual images or verbal information.

· Decision Making – Gathering facts, analysis and producing a final choice.

· Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully, develops alternative solutions and works well individually and in group problem solving situations.

Business Acumen:

· Basic Financial Knowledge and Mathematical Abilities (Markup, Margin, Discounts)

· Writing Skills (service reports, E-mail, etc.)

Leadership:

· Foster Open Communications

· Meet Customer Needs

· Promote Teamwork

· Think Creatively

· Show Drive and Initiative

· Excellent Time Management Skills

· Emotional Intelligence

Functional Technical Skills

· The Engineering Manager must have prior experience applying technical skills to capital projects in an engineering and/or manufacturing environment. Specific familiarity with some or all of the following a plus: Discrete Controls, Heaters, Thermocouples, RTD’s, Calibration Proficiency, PLC programming, Drive Programming, HMI Programming, and Electrical Design.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Four year Degree in Engineering or other technical discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience and/or Training: 4 years related experience with 2 years in supervisory capacity. Strong Communication skills (listening, questioning, speaking), Time Management skills.

Technology/Equipment: Computing/Software Skills including CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and SharePoint.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Four year Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent technical discipline.

Experience and/or Training: 6 years related experience with 4 years in a supervisory capacity. Strong Communication skills (listening, questioning, speaking), Time Management skills. Experience with Electrical Design, PLC/HMI programming, Drive Programming (AC/DC & Motion Controls), Discrete Controls, Heaters, Thermocouples, RTD’s, and Calibration Proficiency. Background in Flexible Film a plus, or other web handling.

Licenses/Certificates: Valid Driver’s License and registered or ability to become registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin.

Technology/Equipment: Computing/Software Skills including Microsoft CRM, Microsoft Office Suite, and SharePoint.

Physical and Mental Demands

Sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Speak and hear communications.

Occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Occasional travel (local, national, international) is required.

May be required to work hours outside of the typical 7:30a.m. – 4:30 p.m. day., and on-call on some weekends (2-4 per year).

Working Environment

The noise level in the work environment is from quiet to moderate. Occasional remote work may be an option for this position. Occasional travel is required up to 10%. May be required to work hours outside of the typical 7:30-4:30 day.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, email your resume to [email protected]

Have a Question?

Talk to a company that understands manufacturing and what it takes to automate your process.