Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Project & Engineering Leadership
• Lead and manage engineering projects related to manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, automation, facility improvements, and production optimization.
• Oversee project execution from concept through implementation, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, risk assessments, and resource requirements to support successful delivery.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of project objectives, operational priorities, and customer requirements.

Manufacturing & Process Improvement
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, quality, scrap reduction, cycle-time improvement, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Analyze manufacturing data, process trends, and operational performance metrics to identify opportunities for optimization and corrective actions.
• Support new product introduction (NPI), process transfers, and manufacturing scale-up activities to ensure smooth operational integration.
• Collaborate with operations and quality teams to improve process capability, reduce variability, and enhance product reliability.

Technical & Operational Support
• Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support for manufacturing processes, equipment, and tooling systems.
• Support capital investment projects including equipment specification, procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation activities.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, process flows, work instructions, technical specifications, and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, customer specifications, environmental regulations, and safety requirements.

Team Collaboration & Leadership
• Mentor and support engineering team members and manufacturing personnel through technical guidance and knowledge sharing.
• Partner with global engineering and operational teams to implement best practices and standardized manufacturing processes across facilities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout all engineering activities.
• Promote and reinforce a strong safety culture across all projects and operational initiatives.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Composite Materials, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering and project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading complex technical or manufacturing projects from planning through execution.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, industrial engineering principles, and process improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools/software.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in composites manufacturing, renewable energy, automotive, aerospace, or heavy industrial manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working with automation systems, PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
• PMP certification or formal project management training preferred.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations and production startup initiatives.

Work Environment & Travel
• Position is based onsite in Iowa within a manufacturing plant environment.
• Frequent interaction with production operations and manufacturing teams is required.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be necessary to support engineering, operational, and global project initiatives.

What We Offer
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Career growth opportunities within a global renewable energy manufacturing organization
• Collaborative and innovative work environment focused on operational excellence
• Opportunity to contribute to sustainable energy solutions and advanced manufacturing technologies