Plant Engineering Manager

The Industrial Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a high‑performance engineering organization within a 24/7 automotive manufacturing environment. This role oversees automation, process engineering, testing, maintenance, and new product introduction (NPI) to ensure operational excellence across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and innovation. The manager sets the strategic direction for industrial engineering, drives continuous improvement, and ensures technical readiness for new technologies and production launches.The expected annual salary range for this role is $120,000 - $150,000 a year depending on experience. This position is also eligible for a variable incentive program. Strategic Leadership and Operational Excellence  Develop and execute the Industrial Engineering strategy that meets plant targets for efficiency, cost, quality, and innovation

Establish and monitor internal KPIs for engineering performance

Lead organizational change to optimize processes, systems, and technologies

Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve automation, process capability, and equipment reliabilityLean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement Drive Lean principles across all shifts in a 24/7 operation, including Kaizen, standardized work, SMED, and waste elimination

Responsible for continuous improvement and implementation of LEAN principles to include leading root cause problem-solving efforts for scrap reduction, yield improvement, and defect elimination.

Utilizes and reinforces Lean  Automation techniques for automation development

Incorporates Simple / Robust into equipment design for highest equipment reliability

Provides lessons learned input to design / development through Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews

Provides new product build support through tooling development and procurement

Introduces process programs and process parameters to support manufacturing operations

Champion Total Productive Maintenance Program (TPM) to increase equipment reliability and OEE metricsNew Product Launch and Industrialization Oversee tooling development, automated assembly system procurement, and process validation for new product launches

Ensure technical readiness of production equipment prior to Start of Production (SOP) and support process changes post‑SOP

Use Design of Experiments (DOE), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), control plans, and other engineering tools to ensure robust product and process developmentDocumentation and Compliance Ensure accurate documentation of processes, P‑FMEA, control plans, parameter sheets, work instructions, and training materials

Maintain adherence to customer, internal, and regulatory requirements for audits and inspections

Promote standardization across all shifts to maintain consistent operating conditionsContinuous Improvement Contribute to the continuous improvement of the management system and quality manual with set up and optimization of procedures and policies 

Define, implement and monitor cost improvement projects

Define strategic development direction of the Industrial Engineering department including the future roadmap of the plant

Ensure technical availability of production equipment during launch phase prior to SOP

Support technical changes in production following SOPLeadership and Talent Management Lead leaders and teams within engineering, maintenance, and facilities ensuring alignment to company behaviors and performance standards

Build organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, and skill development

Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, accountability, and innovation in a 24/7 environmentProject and Financial Management▪ Manage capital projects, budgets, and engineering resources for optimal ROI

▪ Ensure timely delivery of project gates, milestones, and customer requirements

▪ Track key financial KPIs including cycle times, depreciation, and staffing requirements

▪ Protect confidentiality of project data