Manufacturing Engineering Manager Jobs in Minnesota

INTRODUCTION

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading project execution and driving lean manufacturing initiatives across multiple production sites. This role requires a hands-on leader who can effectively balance strategic planning with on-the-floor execution. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, capacity expansion, and productivity improvement, with a proven ability to implement sustainable operational excellence initiatives in a multi-site environment.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage cross-functional manufacturing engineering projects, with a focus on capacity expansion, throughput improvement, and cost reduction.
• Plan, execute, and deliver capital and continuous improvement projects on time and within budget.
• Drive standardization and deployment of lean manufacturing principles (e.g., value stream mapping, 6S, Kaizen, standard work) across multiple facilities.
• Actively engage on the production floor to identify opportunities, remove barriers, and ensure successful implementation of initiatives.
• Partner with plant leadership, operations, quality, and supply chain teams to align efforts with business objectives.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, efficiency, and project outcomes.
• Lead capacity planning efforts, including equipment selection, layout optimization, and process design.
• Develop, monitor and deploy best practices and standards across locations.
• Coach and mentor teams at multiple sites to build technical capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards in all engineering activities.
• Participate in processes and programs aimed at continuous improvement and safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field)
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt).
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with at least 3 years in a project leadership role.
• Experience with capital project justification, budgeting, and execution.
• Experience working in high-mix, high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Strong background in project management, capacity expansion, and productivity improvement.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-site projects, particularly in capacity expansion and productivity improvement.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead from the front - comfortable working hands-on in a production environment to effectively balance strategic planning with on-the-floor execution.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and data-driven decision making.

Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug/alcohol test.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including medical and dental insurance, life/AD&D insurance, short and long term disability, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, personal time off, 401(k) and ESOP retirement programs and more! Please note that any pay range information provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of the posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location.

COMPENSATION

• Pay: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

BENEFITS

• 401(k)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

LOCATION

Work Location: In person

Equal Opportunity Employer