Design Engineering Manager

Title: Mechanical Engineering Manager

Location: Wood Dale, IL

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Salary: $120,000 - $145,000/year Bonus Potential

Benefits: 401(k) with 3% Match, Medical, HSA, AD&D Insurance, Disability Insurance, Parental Leave, Tuition Reimbursement, Referral Program, Relocation Assistance, PTO

Our client is a growing manufacturer specializing in custom and standard fixture solutions for a variety of industries. They are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a cross-functional engineering team focused on product optimization, manufacturability, and delivering projects on time and within budget. This individual will play a key leadership role in driving collaboration between Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales while supporting continued innovation and company growth.

Job Duties:

• Lead and mentor a cross-functional engineering team including Design Engineers, Estimators, and Project Managers.

• Drive optimization of custom and standard fixture designs to meet customer requirements, manufacturability goals, and cost targets.

• Oversee product development and continuous improvement efforts for proprietary product lines.

• Translate customer requirements and specifications into manufacturable, cost-effective engineering solutions.

• Maintain BOM accuracy and ensure CAD and Vault data integrity throughout the product lifecycle.

• Collaborate with Sales, Production, Quality, and Purchasing teams to ensure successful project execution from concept through production.

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts and transition projects into manufacturing.

• Conduct project reviews with leadership teams, providing updates on progress, risks, timelines, and resource requirements.

• Ensure designs meet fit, form, and function requirements while considering tolerances, manufacturability, material selection, safety, and cost.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on engineering processes, efficiency, and profitability.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Design, or a related technical field required.

• 8 years of engineering experience within wood, metal, or mixed-material manufacturing environments.

• Previous leadership experience managing engineers, estimators, project managers, or technical teams.

• Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD software, preferably Autodesk Inventor and Vault.

• Experience developing and maintaining Bills of Material (BOMs) and ERP/PDM systems.

• Strong understanding of fabrication processes involving wood, metal, plastics, glass, and composite materials.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.