Manufacturing Plant Engineering Manager

Job Description
Are you passionate about working for an industry leader in sustainability? Danfoss provides solutions to our generation's greatest energy challenges. As the world encounters increasing climate change and urbanization, Danfoss is rising to the challenge with expertise and world-leading solutions based on the latest technologies and an Engineering Tomorrow mentality.

Danfoss in Forest City, NC is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer Manager to join our team. The Manufacturing Engineer Manager is responsible for leading the engineering function in a high-volume & high-mix extrusion and hose manufacturing facility. This role drives continuous improvement, leads capital projects, supports new product launches, and ensures processes are efficient, safe, and aligned with customer and quality standards. The Manufacturing Engineer Manager works cross- functionally to optimize extrusion processes, braiding, coiling, and downstream operations to support production goals and plant transformation efforts. This role reports to the Forest City Plant Director.

Job Responsibilities
Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of manufacturing, process, and manufacturing engineers.
• Drive process improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, throughput, and cost reduction.
• Manage capital projects from concept through execution, including equipment installation, layout optimization, and vendor coordination.
• Support new product launches and ensure manufacturing readiness through DFM, trials, and SOP development.
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality, SCM, and operations to solve complex technical challenges.
• Oversee engineering change processes, documentation updates, and standard work implementation.
• Ensure engineering compliance with regulatory, environmental, and customer requirements.
• Provide technical leadership in root cause analysis (RCA), PFMEA, control plans, and corrective actions.
• Track key KPIs such as OEE, scrap, downtime, and productivity – and lead actions to improve them.
• Maintain a strong focus on employee development, mentoring, and succession planning.
  
  

Background & Skills
Qualifications
Required (basic) qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field)
• 5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement principles
• Proven project management and cross-functional leadership skills
• Proficiency with CAD, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office tools
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Extrusion or hose manufacturing
• Facilities maintenance and management
• Experience with braiding, coiling, or vulcanizing equipment
• Capital project or plant layout experience
• SAP experience
  
  

Job Criteria

• Strong leadership and team development
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities with cross-functional collaboration abilities
• Hands-on and committed to shop floor engagement
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  
  

At Danfoss, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters creativity, innovation, and a broader perspective in decision-making. When you consider this job posting, do you feel like your profile is not a perfect match? Numerous studies have found that women and people of color are more likely to apply only when they meet all requirements listed in the job posting. Even if you do not check all the boxes, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are curious to find out how you can bring new insights to the role or to Danfoss as an organization

Employee Benefits
We are excited to offer you the following benefits with your employment:

Bonus system

Paid vacation

Flexible working hours

Retirement plan

Personal insurance

Opportunity to join Employee Resource Groups

State of the art virtual work environment

Employee Referral Program

This list does not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Danfoss – Engineering Tomorrow
At Danfoss, we are engineering solutions that allow the world to use resources in smarter ways - driving the sustainable transformation of tomorrow. No transformation has ever been started without a group of passionate,

dedicated and empowered people. We believe that innovation and great results are driven by the right mix of people with diverse backgrounds, personalities, skills, and perspectives, reflecting the world in which we do business. To make sure the mix of people works, we strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are treated equally, respected, and valued for who they are. It is a strong priority within Danfoss to improve the health, working environment and safety of our employees.

Following our founder’s mindset “action speaks louder than words”, we set ourselves ambitious targets to protect the environment by embarking on a plan to become CO2 neutral latest by 2030.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race , color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.