Technical Manager

About the role

The Technical Manager leads all Manufacturing Engineering, Controls Engineering, Process Engineering, Technical Operations, and Workforce Development functions within ADAC’s automotive Assembly manufacturing department. This role provides leadership for engineers, technicians, and technical specialists while ensuring safe, capable, repeatable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes that meet customer, quality, delivery, launch, and continuous improvement objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering, Controls Engineering, and Process Technician teams to support daily production objectives while ensuring safe, capable, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing operations.
• Establish priorities and deploy technical resources to address production performance, customer requirements, equipment reliability, quality concerns, launch activities, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Provide technical leadership for manufacturing processes, automation systems, controls infrastructure, and production equipment to optimize throughput, quality, labor efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Drive structured problem-solving and root cause analysis activities to resolve production, quality, and equipment issues through sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Oversee the development, implementation, validation, and documentation of manufacturing processes, engineering changes, controls modifications, and equipment improvements.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Program Management teams to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, support product launches, and ensure customer requirements are achieved.
• Lead the specification, installation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment, automation systems, robotics, PLCs, vision systems, and supporting technologies.
• Develop technical capability across the organization through training programs, skills matrices, mentoring, performance coaching, cross-training, and succession planning initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and automotive industry standards, including APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Support customer audits, technical reviews, process validations, run-at-rate activities, and new product launches while ensuring manufacturing readiness and operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement through effective communication, employee development, and leadership engagement across all shifts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably within a Tier 1 supplier environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading engineers, technical specialists, process technicians, maintenance personnel, or cross-functional technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience improving manufacturing processes, equipment performance, quality results, and production efficiency.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, structured problem solving, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, and automotive quality systems.
• Ability to lead technical teams across shifts and support a fast-paced manufacturing operation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming, robotics, vision systems, machine safety, automation integration, or controls troubleshooting.
• Experience in assembly, molding, paint, welding, machining, stamping, or other high-volume automotive manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting customer launches, run-at-rate events, capability studies, and customer audits.
• Experience building skills matrices, technical training programs, succession plans, or formal employee development systems.

Skills

• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships and build positive rapport at all levels of the organization.
• Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated active listening and communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to facilitate small and large groups in formal presentations, working meetings, business reviews, and informal discussions.

Competencies

• Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high-quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Uses a range of inputs to fully understand and solve problems.
• Develops Talent: Develops people to meet both their career goals and the organization’s goals. Builds a learning culture and uses teachable situations to offer insightful coaching.
• Values Differences: Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Leverages differences to strengthen the workgroup.
• Builds Effective Teams: Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals. Works skillfully with many leaders.

Physical Requirements

• Work in a stationary position for 5.5+ hours daily.
• Move about the work area for 5.5+ hours daily.
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel for 5.5+ hours daily.
• Reach with hands and arms for 5.5+ hours daily.
• Ascend/descend stairs or ladders for 0.25–2 hours daily.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl for 0.25–2 hours daily.
• Communicate with various parties for 5.5+ hours daily.
• Visual acuity for 5.5+ hours daily.
• Read and understand written word for 5.5+ hours daily.
• Operate a computer and general office machines for 5.5+ hours daily.
• Occasionally move containers up to 30 pounds.
• Travel occasionally to attend training events or review manufacturing processes.

Environmental Conditions

• Plant environment with exposure to dust, oil, various chemicals, and extreme noise for 5.5+ hours daily.
• Limited exposure to outside elements during travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises subordinates (number not specified).
• Responsible for the productivity and quality of subordinates’ work performance.
• Formally evaluates subordinates’ performance (e.g., annual performance reviews, recommending promotions and disciplinary actions).
• Determines work assignments, priorities, and procedures for subordinates.
• Approves vacation, sick time, and schedule changes.
• Interviews and recommends candidates for selection.
• Trains new and existing associates on company policies and procedures.
• Advises subordinates on problem resolutions.
• Reports on work quality and productivity of subordinates.