Senior Engineering Manager
Near Harvard, Illinois
Our client is a smaller yet growing manufacturer of custom engineered metal products. With strong demand and a healthy backlog extending well into 2027, they are adding a Senior Engineering Manager to help lead the next phase of growth and operational excellence.
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead both engineering and fabrication functions to the next level. The successful candidate will oversee a team responsible for estimating, design, structural engineering, and project execution while also providing leadership oversight and support to fabrication/welding/assembly operations.
The organization has recently undergone significant leadership changes and is investing in people, processes, and continuous improvement. This role will play a key part in helping shape the future of the business.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team including design, estimating, and others.
• Provide oversight and support to fabrication operations through an existing shop supervisor
• Improve engineering workflows, design for manufacturability (DFM/DFA), communication, scheduling, and accountability
• Partner closely with senior leadership on operational improvements and growth initiatives
• Mentor newer team members while leveraging the knowledge of experienced staff
• Support continuous improvement efforts/efficiency efforts across engineering and manufacturing functions
• Ensure engineering quality, customer satisfaction, and on-time project completion
Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required
• Experience leading engineering teams within custom manufacturing/ engineered-to-order environments
• Strong understanding of design engineering, project execution, and manufacturing operations
• Ability to lead both experienced professionals and developing talent
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience preferred
Why Consider This Opportunity?
• Strong business outlook with backlog extending into 2027
• Highly visible leadership position
• Opportunity to influence company direction and culture
• Direct interaction with executive leadership
• Smaller organization where your contributions make an immediate impact
• Stable, growing engineered products business
Local candidates are strongly preferred.