Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Grand Rapids Chair Company · Byron Center, MI · 4 days ago
EngineeringFull-time
About the Role
The Manufacturing Engineering Manager ensures the technical performance and physical reliability of GRC's manufacturing operation. This role oversees Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technicians, and Maintenance, translating strategic priorities into engineered processes, reliable equipment, and a technically capable floor organization. A key partner in culture transformation and second-shift scale-up, this position reports to the VP of Operations.
Responsibilities
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Own process design, work instructions, tooling, fixturing, and layout for a low-volume, high-mix product environment.
- Lead capacity planning and process capability work to support manufacturing, new product launches (including "M" builds), and second-shift growth.
- Drive continuous improvement and lean initiatives (standard work, cycle time reduction, changeover reduction) in partnership with the Lean function.
- Own root cause analysis and permanent corrective action for chronic process, quality, and yield issues, in collaboration with Quality.
- Manage capital project scoping, justification, and implementation for process and equipment improvements.
- Explore and implement advanced manufacturing techniques, automation, and Industry 4.0 concepts to enhance production capabilities.
- Engineering Technicians
- Direct day-to-day technician support of production, including line troubleshooting, first-run support, and engineering change implementation on the floor.
- Ensure technician coverage and response time meet the needs of both shifts.
- Maintenance
- Develop and execute a comprehensive maintenance strategy to ensure reliability and uptime of manufacturing equipment and facilities.
- Build and manage a preventive maintenance (PM) schedule, spare parts strategy, and maintenance response process for two-shift operation.
- Own facilities reliability (utilities, building systems) to support production continuity.
- Manage maintenance labor planning, including shift coverage and contractor/vendor relationships for specialized work.
- Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as a core member of the Operations leadership team, partnering with Manufacturing, Quality, Scheduling/Materials, Lean, and Product Engineering.
- Develop and execute a strategic capital investment plan aligned with company growth.
- Build and lead a team of engineers, technicians, and maintenance staff, fostering accountability, floor engagement, and standard work discipline.
- Support and coach the team in lean manufacturing practices and skill development.
- Manage departmental budgets effectively, ensuring cost control and resource allocation for project execution.
- Hire, develop, and cross-train teams, including succession planning.