Sr Manager, Manufacturing Operations Engineering

About the role

The Senior Manager, Manufacturing Operations Engineering at Watlow leads and coordinates global programs and projects to advance manufacturing automation, process digitalization, and enterprise manufacturing standards. This role is responsible for technical planning, execution integrity, capital justification, supplier and contractor coordination, validation, deployment, and operational readiness to deliver scalable manufacturing capability across the enterprise.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy strategic automation solutions
• Develop digital models and digital twins of critical manufacturing systems
• Improve manufacturing system inputs to SIOP demand/capacity planning
• Establish manufacturing standards guiding process selection, equipment specifications, capital investments, and capability development over the next 3 to 5 years

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Minimum of 10-years manufacturing engineering leadership experience in a complex industrial manufacturing environment
• Experience leading automation, capital equipment, manufacturing process improvement, or advanced manufacturing projects
• Demonstrated experience managing technical teams and cross-functional project teams
• Experience developing equipment specifications, process requirements, validation plans, and project acceptance criteria
• Experience working with automation suppliers, system integrators, machine builders, contractors, and technical service providers
• Strong understanding of manufacturing process capability, equipment reliability, cycle time, throughput, labor productivity, quality systems, and operational readiness
• Experience supporting capital planning, business case development, and value realization
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence site leaders, technical teams, suppliers, and senior executives

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field
• Experience with manufacturing digitalization, simulation, capacity modeling, digital twins, MES, SCADA, PLC/control systems, industrial data systems, or Industry 4.0 technologies
• Experience supporting SIOP, capacity planning, industrial engineering, or manufacturing network planning
• Experience developing manufacturing process standards or equipment standards
• Experience leading global or multi-site manufacturing engineering teams
• Experience in engineered-to-order, high-mix/low-volume, industrial equipment, thermal systems, electrical equipment, or precision manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, project management, machine safety, process validation, and change management methods
• Experience with both discrete manufacturing and complex assembly processes

Benefits

The Watlow Total Compensation Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of benefits such as an Annual Incentive Program, 401(k) plan with company match, wellness incentives, Employee Personal Assistance Program, dental, medical, vision, and short-term and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, personal time, and vacation, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Watlow also offers diversity and inclusion initiatives to foster an inclusive workplace.