ABOUT THE ROLEThe Senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads plant-level engineering and maintenance functions to support operational performance, reliability, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. This role is responsible for aligning engineering and maintenance resources around plant priorities, leading a team with direct reports across both functions, and ensuring strong cross-functional execution in support of business and production goals.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPlant Leadership and Functional Integration- Lead plant-level manufacturing engineering and maintenance activities in support of site priorities and performance targets
- Create strong alignment between engineering and maintenance so both functions operate collaboratively and support shared plant goals
- Partner with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute initiatives that improve operational performance
- Translate plant needs into clear functional priorities, ownership, and follow-through
Team Leadership and Development- Lead, coach, and develop direct reports across engineering and maintenance
- Set clear expectations, strengthen accountability, and build a culture of ownership and execution
- Develop team capability, succession readiness, and bench strength across both functions
- Ensure strong communication routines and coordination across the team
Operational and Technical Execution- Oversee engineering support for plant initiatives tied to safety, quality, productivity, cost, and operational improvement
- Drive equipment, process, and system improvements that increase reliability and reduce downtime
- Support preventive and corrective maintenance strategies in partnership with the maintenance team
- Ensure technical resources are aligned to plant needs, production demands, and critical business priorities
Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving- Lead and support continuous improvement efforts across plant systems, equipment, and workflows
- Use data, root cause analysis, and performance measures to identify issues and drive sustainable solutions
- Standardize best practices where possible to improve consistency, speed, and execution
- Remove barriers that affect project delivery, maintenance effectiveness, or operational performance
Cross-Functional Partnership- Partner closely with operations, quality, supply chain, HR, and plant leadership to support business goals
- Communicate technical issues, risks, and recommendations in a clear and practical way
- Support change initiatives, capital improvements, and site-level transformation efforts as needed
- Build strong working relationships that enable fast decision-making and execution at the plant level
JOB REQUIREMENTS- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field required
- Progressive leadership experience in manufacturing engineering, maintenance, or plant operations required
- Experience leading direct reports in a manufacturing or industrial environment required
- Strong knowledge of plant operations, equipment reliability, process improvement, and cross-functional execution
- Strong problem-solving, project leadership, and people leadership skills
- Ability to balance strategic improvement work with day-to-day plant support
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in automotive or complex manufacturing environments
- Experience leading both engineering and maintenance teams or closely integrated plant functions
- Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence initiatives
- Experience supporting plant transformation, reliability improvement, or cost-reduction efforts
Success Profile- Connects engineering and maintenance around shared outcomes
- Drives accountability and follow-through
- Improves plant reliability and execution
- Develops strong, capable teams
- Communicates clearly and works effectively across functions
