Manufacturing Engineering Manager

About the Company

Our client is a rapidly growing manufacturer of consumer packaged goods seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead manufacturing engineering, equipment reliability, maintenance, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

About the Role

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for optimizing manufacturing operations through engineering excellence. The successful candidate will spend significant time on the manufacturing floor leading Gemba Walks, improving production flow, solving equipment challenges, and partnering with operations to drive productivity, quality, and safety. This is not a traditional maintenance management position. We are looking for an engineering leader who enjoys improving manufacturing systems while remaining hands-on when the operation needs technical support.

Responsibilities

Manufacturing Engineering

• Lead manufacturing engineering activities supporting all production operations.
• Design and optimize manufacturing layouts to improve product flow, safety, and throughput.
• Develop manufacturing processes that improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Lead production line redesigns and capacity expansion projects.
• Support new equipment installations, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Evaluate and implement automation technologies that improve operational performance.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead daily Gemba Walks with Production and Operations leadership.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste and improve workflow.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Utilize Value Stream Mapping, SMED, 5S, and Root Cause Analysis to improve manufacturing performance.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Equipment Reliability & Maintenance

• Lead preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and PLC-controlled equipment.
• Support maintenance technicians during critical equipment failures.
• Establish equipment standards and maintenance best practices.
• Maintain CMMS data and equipment history.

PLC & Automation

• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
• Partner with controls engineers and equipment vendors on programming modifications.
• Support Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable PLC platforms.
• Improve machine automation and control systems.
• Participate in automation upgrades and capital improvement projects.

Leadership

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance personnel.
• Coach technicians and engineers through technical problem solving.
• Establish performance metrics and accountability.
• Build a culture focused on safety, teamwork, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Capital Projects

• Lead equipment installations from concept through startup.
• Manage capital improvement projects.
• Develop equipment specifications.
• Work with equipment manufacturers and system integrators.
• Support long-term manufacturing capacity planning.

Safety & Quality

• Promote a safety-first manufacturing culture.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.
• Partner with Quality to improve process capability and product quality.
• Support food-grade and consumer packaged goods manufacturing requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• Professional Engineering (P.Eng.) or equivalent designation is considered an asset.