Engineering Manager - Manufacturing and Product Engineering

Engineering Manager - Manufacturing and Product Engineering | Shelburne, VT | Full-time Role Overview We operate in a precision manufacturing environment where engineering decisions directly impact product performance, manufacturability, and scalability. The Engineering Manager leads the integration of product design, manufacturing engineering, and process execution. This role is accountable for building technical systems that translate design intent into repeatable, high-yield production outcomes. This is not a purely administrative leadership role. The Engineering Manager is expected to operate as both strategic leader and technical executor. The individual must be comfortable leading teams while simultaneously engaging in proof of concept work, process validation, fixture reviews, tolerance analysis, and production problem solving. Leadership Scope Lead Design Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering functionsBuild technical roadmaps aligned to production scaling needsEstablish engineering execution standards and accountability systemsDrive cross-functional alignment between Engineering, Quality, and OperationsDevelop engineering talent and succession depth Core Responsibilities Engineering Leadership & Team Development Manage and mentor design and manufacturing engineersEstablish performance expectations and development pathwaysBuild capability in fixture design, process engineering, and manufacturabilityDefine and implement the policies and procedures of engineering change management Technical Execution & Process Ownership Lead manufacturing process development and validationOversee fixture strategy and workholding architectureEnsure tight-tolerance manufacturability across product linesValidate machining strategies and production readiness Proof of Concept & Substantive Testing Lead prototype builds and proof of concept validationDevelop structured engineering test plansDefine data collection methodologies and validation criteriaTranslate testing results into production decisions Root Cause & Failure Analysis Lead structured root cause investigationsApply fact-finding methodologies to production and product failuresImplement corrective and preventive actionsInstitutionalize lessons learned into engineering standards Planning, Implementation & Execution Discipline Own engineering project planning and implementation roadmapsEstablish task management systems and execution trackingDrive schedule adherence across engineering deliverablesAlign engineering output to production capacity and launch timelines Technical Documentation & Standards Develop product definition and build standardsOversee drawing standards, GD&T application, and revision controlEnsure work instruction and process documentation rigorMaintain configuration and engineering change governance Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Lead OPEX initiatives across manufacturing engineeringDrive cost, cycle time, and scrap reduction programsSupport automation and lights-out manufacturing strategies Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field10+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing environmentsLeadership experience managing engineering teamsDirect experience within CNC machining operationsBackground in aerospace, defense, or equivalent tight-tolerance industriesExpectational understanding of the mechanical function of double stack 1911's, OR deep knowledge of titling barrel pistol designs.Expertise in fixture design and manufacturing process developmentStrong GD&T and technical drawing proficiency Preferred Qualifications Military service or defense industry experienceFirearms manufacturing exposureMulti-axis CNC and advanced machining knowledgeCAM programming familiarityLean / Six Sigma certificationAutomation integration experience Leadership & Execution Profile The Right Candidate Leads from the floor, not just the officeEngages directly in technical problem solvingThrives in proof-of-concept and validation environmentsDemands data before conclusionsOperates with task and schedule disciplineDrives root cause resolution, not symptom fixesBalances leadership authority with hands-on execution Why Join Us? We believe in rewarding hard work and dedication. When you join our team, you'll enjoy: Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, STD/LTD401(k) Match: Up to 5% contributionPaid Time Off & Sick TimeWellness Support: Gym and access to a personal trainer and weekly Occupational Therapy.Bonus Program: Quarterly incentives to earn bonuses. Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000 yearly base salary (DOE)