Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Engineering (IL) (1381)
Job Summary
The Manager, Manufacturing Engineering role is responsible for leading manufacturing engineering strategy and execution to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective trailer manufacturing operations. This position designs, implements, and optimizes production lines, manufacturing processes, and equipment systems across assembly, welding, and parts fabrication environments. The role partners cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and global manufacturing teams to deliver scalable manufacturing solutions, improve productivity, and support production ramp-up while ensuring alignment to business objectives and manufacturing standards.
Essential Functions
Develop and execute manufacturing engineering strategies supporting mid- to long-term plant objectives
Design production lines and layout concepts for dry and reefer trailer manufacturing
Lead equipment design concepts, installation, commissioning, and production trials
Drive automation initiatives, including robotic welding systems and automated manufacturing methods
Optimize manpower, productivity, takt time, capacity planning, and line balancing
Establish standard work, work instructions, and time study methodologies
Measure, validate, and improve man-hour standards (STD, target, actual)
Identify and execute cost-reduction and manufacturing method improvement initiatives
Collaborate cross-functionally and globally with manufacturing engineering teams, including Mexico operations
Lead, develop, and mentor manufacturing engineering teams and technical talent
Establish engineering strategies aligned to plant objectives
Oversee multiple teams and major capital projects
Lead plant-wide process design and cost-reduction programs
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible manufacturing engineering experience
Proven experience leading large engineering teams and capital projects
Experience in trailer, commercial vehicle, or similar manufacturing industries
Preferred Education and Experience Requirements
Project management experience supporting new line or plant ramp-ups
Experience with large-scale welding automation (robot cells, gantries, positioners)
Experience supporting new plant launches or major facility expansions