Manufacturing Engineering & Estimating Lead

MW Components - Northern Wire is looking to add a Manufacturing Engineering & Estimating Lead to our team! 

Immerse yourself in what MW Components has to offer:

• Competitive Compensation
• Quarterly Incentive Program
• Comprehensive Benefits
• Paid Holidays
• Development and Career Growth Opportunities
• Educational Assistance Program
• Collaborative Culture
• Innovative and Impactful Work
• Employee Wellness Program

SUMMARY:

The Manufacturing Engineering & Estimating Lead will be responsible for designing, implementing, and improving manufacturing and estimating systems and processes to enhance efficiency and productivity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages and coordinates the activities of the department.
• Discovers potential problems, solves problems, implements changes, and continuously monitors progress.
• Attends production meetings on a regular basis for status updates and product launches.
• Leads quoting process reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, and project requirements to develop accurate cost estimates.
• Calculate material, labor, overhead, and subcontractor costs for manufacturing projects.
• Prepare and submit detailed quotes and proposals to customers or internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, and production teams to ensure estimates are feasible and accurate.
• Analyze production processes and materials to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain historical cost data and build standardized cost databases.
• Document assumptions, calculations, and pricing rationale for estimates.
• Oversees the development of Engineering Masters.
• Attends and participates in on-site client visits.
• Budget responsibilities for the department including all software seats, training, travel and identifying new opportunities for continuous improvement in operations.
• Develops and monitors policies and procedures for department.
• Set up, program, and operate CNC mills, lathes, multi-axis machines, and manual equipment to produce complex, tight-tolerance parts.
• Edit or create CNC programs at the machine or offline (Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Okuma, etc.).
• Lead complex machining setups, including fixture design recommendations and tool selection.
• Read and interpret advanced engineering drawings, GD&T, and work instructions.
• Perform first-article inspections and verify part conformance using advanced measurement tools (CMM, optical comparators, bore gauges, micrometers, etc.).
• Diagnose machining issues such as chatter, tool wear, thermal expansion, and programming errors; implement corrective actions.
• Optimize machining processes to reduce cycle time, improve tool life, and enhance part quality.
• Develops and presents updates in management meetings, such as management review meetings.
• Directs department in scheduling workload and status of available hours.
• Maintains and enforces compliance of directory structure.
• Determines needs and cross-trains all employees to ensure backup in all areas.
• Monitors programming machining times to quoted times.
• Effectively and proactively manages continuous improvement on existing programs.
• Sets goals for each employee and monitors their activity.
• Responsible for employee development, including programming skills, problem solving, teamwork, and identifying team members for program management projects.
• Facilitates good working relationships among subordinates and across all departments.
• Monitors creation of set-up and tear-down documentation.
• First line of engineering assistance for operations.
• Responsible for all project schedules and projects within the department.
• Conducts regular staff meetings and one on ones with staff.
• Works with other functional areas (Sales, Purchasing, Manufacturing, etc.) to obtain cooperation, agreement or assistance as required to get the job done correctly within budget and on time.
• Responsible for Performance Management, including selection, training, employee development, performance reviews, and disciplinary action.
• Support manufacturing process in varying capacities, as required.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Strong personnel leadership skills leading a team while developing leaders within the dept.
• Strong communication and presentation skills up and down the organization.
• Good organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem solving, decision making and process improvement skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
• Ability to develop and implement key engineering metrics to monitor dept. performance and ID gaps.
• Must be an analytical thinker to think outside the box to come up with solutions.
• Must be a team player that can work x functionally within the organization to come up with solutions.
• Knowledge of manufacturing process
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, CAD (solid works) – knowledgeable with CAM software (AutoCAD Part Maker, SurfCam, Mastercam, etc.)
• Must be able to develop and modify work instructions for the Mfg. engineering dept. along with the programming team.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize needs in a fast-paced environment
• Willing to do other things as required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology or similar degree
• Must have experience in the industry.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ of experience in a manufacturing environment, specifically in metal working, automotive or other high tolerance industry required
• Five (5 ) years’ experience leading a small group of technical engineers.
• Experience with working with customers on a technical basis – DFM, DFA, blueprint reviews, model reviews, routing development, etc.
• Strong experience in 3D Cad Modeling
• Strong experience with machining metal background

Desired

• Master’s degree in engineering, engineering technology or similar degree
• Project management and organizational skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Primarily sedentary work involving prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, mouse use, and handling documents.
• Visual acuity required to read computer screens, printed materials, and digital devices.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching within the office environment.
• Occasional lifting or carrying of light items such as files, office supplies, or a laptop (typically up to 10–20 pounds).
• Regular communication through speaking and hearing in person, by phone, and during virtual meetings.