Manufacturing Engineering Manager

At Columbia we come to work every day driven by the belief that innovation can transform industries, empower communities, and create a more efficient, sustainable world.

With operations spanning five continents and a commitment to excellence in service and support, our purpose extends beyond engineering advanced equipment. We are pioneering innovation and paving a better tomorrow with factory automation solutions worldwide.

Summary: Directs the Manufacturing Engineering and CNC Programming in developing and managing manufacturing processes that improve operational performance while strategically meeting business objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead Manufacturing Engineering Operations

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering and CNC Programming teams to plan, prioritize, and execute projects aligned with business objectives.
• Define project scope, schedules, and resource requirements; forecast and manage costs in collaboration with operations and cross-functional teams.
• Plan and execute capital equipment and process improvement initiatives to advance manufacturing capabilities.
• Oversee programming workload to ensure production schedules are met.

Manufacturing Process & Technology Leadership

• Develop, standardize, and improve manufacturing processes, CNC programs, and engineering tools to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and throughput.
• Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA) initiatives in partnership with Design Engineering to optimize cost, quality, delivery, and margins.
• Oversee routing, tooling, fixtures, jigs, CAM systems, and process documentation.
• Track, analyze, and report departmental and company KPIs.

Quality, Safety, and Compliance

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce scrap, rework, and quality issues.
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement, including 6S practices.
• Partner with EHS to ensure manufacturing processes comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

People Leadership & Development

• Manage, coach, and develop Manufacturing Engineering and Programming staff through clear expectations, feedback, performance management, and mentoring.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful work environment that encourages knowledge sharing and professional growth.
• Identify training needs, delegate effectively, and support succession and leadership development.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate manufacturing strategies, priorities, and performance across operations and leadership.
• Facilitate regular staff and project meetings to ensure alignment, transparency, and timely issue resolution.
• Maintain strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and support external customer requirements as needed.

Financial & Business Accountability

• Develop and manage departmental budgets; monitor spending, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead cost-reduction and efficiency initiatives across labor, tooling, setup, consumables, and manufacturing processes.

Documentation & Knowledge Management

• Maintain engineering, programming, and manufacturing documentation, including SOPs, SWIs, and process standards.
• Ensure accurate, current, and accessible knowledge systems that support operational excellence.

Continuous Improvement & Professional Growth

• Lead and participate in cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current with manufacturing technologies, industry trends, and best practices through professional development, conferences, and networking.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, skills and/or abilities:

Knowledge

Software

· Manufacturing Software

· Microsoft Office Suite

· ERP (Infor M3 preferred)

· CAD Software preferred

· Manufacturing/Nesting Software preferred

· Quality control software: Romer, Faro, Renishaw preferred

Other

· LEAN Principles

· Manufacturing Techniques

· Engineering Disciplines (STEM)

· Machining Technology

· Process Change Management

· Understanding of R&D and design process

· Risk Analysis

· Six Sigma (Green Belt) preferred

Skills

· Verbal and Written Communication

· Management and Leadership

· Organizational Planning and Analysis

· Time Management

· Technical expert in other related manufacturing field to support company objectives

· Project Management

· Presentations Skills

· Fabrication: Welding, Robotic Welding

· Machining: CNC and Manual

· Forklift, Crane, Jib Crane (per Company certification)

Abilities

· Ability to drive team building and engineer a highly technical, dynamic team

· Ability to performance manage

· Ability to be collaborative

· Ability to provide mentorship

· Ability to give an oral presentation when needed

· Ability to work in a dynamic setting

Education and/or Experience:

· Minimum: BSME Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering

· 3-5 years of engineering experience

· 5-10 years of relevant manufacturing experience

· 5 in a leadership or management role

Columbia Machine offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, short and long term disability, 401(k), incentive compensation, paid holidays, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Equal Opportunity Employer - Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Columbia does participate in E-Verify. To apply for this exciting career opportunity today, please apply online at www.columbiamachine.com

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Vancouver, WA 98661: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person