Manufacturing Engineering Manager

About the role

Heliene is a fast‑growing manufacturer of high‑efficiency solar modules with facilities in Ontario‑Canada, Minnesota‑USA, and global partners. The company is opening a new facility in Rogers, Minnesota and seeks a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead process development, productivity improvements, and mentorship of the engineering team at the Mountain Iron, Minnesota site. The role reports to the V.P. of Engineering and involves directing the Manufacturing Engineering Department, applying engineering principles to facilities and equipment, evaluating work processes, and ensuring safety‑first decision‑making.

Responsibilities

• Provide input to manufacturing strategy including machine, tool, and process technologies to increase productivity objectives.
• Responsible for manufacturing engineering initiatives, including transformation projects to increase productivity and lower costs, capital expenditure planning and implementation, and successful production launch of new products.
• Determine feasibility of purchasing new plant equipment or modifying existing equipment/facilities considering costs, space, time, company planning, and technical/economic factors.
• Negotiate price, terms, and conditions with outside suppliers on major equipment purchases; ensure timely installation, proper functioning per specifications, and supplier‑provided instruction/training.
• Lead and direct development and implementation of advanced manufacturing techniques and processes affecting long‑range factory operations and efficiency.
• Develop strategies and programs that improve productivity and efficiency of manufacturing processes.
• Advise senior management of new developments that may affect manufacturing processes, schedules, costs, and profit.
• Lead and direct manufacturing engineering staff to accomplish company improvement objectives.
• Stay current with production technology and solar module manufacturing industry trends.

Requirements

• Four‑year degree in Engineering.
• Minimum five (5) years of related experience.
• At least three (3) years of supervisor experience (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• Experience with lean manufacturing practices (Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis tools) – considered an asset.
• Experience managing a team of engineers and technicians in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in machinery and equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of manufacturing process control.
• Robotics experience – considered an asset.
• Previous experience in CAD or maintenance software – considered a plus.
• Ability to document and present failure analysis, continual improvement plans, and root cause analysis.
• Experience with Power BI – considered an asset.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and/or ISO 14001 – considered an asset.
• Knowledge of OSHA standards.
• Analytical, critical thinking skills to systematically find root cause and develop corrective action.
• Familiarity with relevant software tools: Word, Excel, PowerPoint (minimum).
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; ability to communicate clearly with all departments.
• Ability to analyze, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects.
• Valid passport and ability to travel internationally.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Background check and drug screening required prior to hire.
• Position is safety‑sensitive.

Skills

• Lean manufacturing practices (Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis).
• Robotics experience.
• CAD or maintenance software proficiency.
• Power BI experience.
• ISO 9001 and/or ISO 14001 knowledge.
• OSHA standards familiarity.

Benefits

• Employer‑paid employee medical & dental benefits.
• Co‑pay for spouse/dependents.
• Performance incentive.
• Life insurance.
• 401K match.
• Paid PTO.
• Paid sick days.
• Paid personal days.

Pay

Salary range: $105,000 to $140,000 annually.

Schedule

Permanent, full‑time position.