OverviewThe Engineering Opex Manager leads high-priority, cross-functional engineering initiatives that fall outside standard product development or sustaining workflows. This role is responsible for driving complex, time-sensitive projects that require strong technical judgment, execution discipline, and coordination across Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders.
The position focuses on solving critical business problems, accelerating delivery, reducing risk, and enabling cost, quality, or schedule improvements through targeted engineering efforts.
ResponsibilitiesSpecial Project Leadership- Lead and execute assigned special engineering projects from concept through completion.
- Own project scope, technical approach, schedule, resources, and deliverables.
- Drive rapid problem definition and solution development for complex or ambiguous challenges.
- Serve as the single technical and execution point of accountability for assigned initiatives.
Cross-Functional Coordination- Coordinate closely with Product Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing, Sales, and Finance.
- Align stakeholders on objectives, priorities, timelines, and success criteria.
- Escalate risks and issues proactively and drive timely resolution.
Technical Execution & Decision-Making- Provide hands-on technical leadership and guidance when needed.
- Evaluate design trade-offs, risk, cost, and schedule impacts.
- Ensure engineering solutions meet performance, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for complex technical issues.
Cost, Quality & Schedule Improvement Initiatives- Lead initiatives focused on cost reduction, cycle-time reduction, and engineering efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to eliminate rework, simplify designs, or optimize processes.
- Support make-vs-buy evaluations and supplier engagement when applicable.
- Quantify financial and operational benefits of project outcomes.
Risk Management & Governance- Identify technical, schedule, and business risks early.
- Develop and execute mitigation plans.
- Ensure compliance with company standards, engineering processes, and change control.
- Maintain clear documentation and decision traceability.
Communication & Reporting- Provide regular status updates to Engineering leadership and executive stakeholders.
- Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Present project outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Software, or related field).
Master's degree preferred. - 7+ years of engineering experience in HVAC-R industry, including leadership of cross-functional or complex projects.
- Strong understanding of product development, manufacturing, or systems engineering environments.
- Proven ability to manage ambiguity and drive execution under tight timelines.
- Experience leading cost-reduction, risk-mitigation, or accelerated delivery initiatives.
- Excellent communication, influence, and problem-solving skills.
Key Skills & Competencies- Strong technical judgment
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Cost and risk analysis
- Structured problem solving
- Executive-level communication
- Change management and execution discipline
Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You* Hussmann is committed to supporting your total wellbeing through a wide variety of benefits and wellness programs to support your physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health. Here's what you can expect:
- Health Benefits - Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
- Voluntary Benefits - Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
- Hussmann Retirement Savings & Investment Plan - 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
- Paid Time-Off Benefits - Paid time off, stewardship and parental leave.
- Educational Assistance - Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
- Health Management and Wellbeing Programs -EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, and tobacco cessation.
*Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following their start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status.
Hussmann is a subsidiary of Panasonic USA.
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