Summary/objective Oversees and provides direct leadership of Niowave's Engineering/Facilities Department. This role encompasses strategic planning, team leadership, operational optimization, and fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The Director of Engineering/Facilities is responsible for the leadership and management of a team mechanical engineers and will coordinate with the managers/supervisors of the test engineers, designers, and fabrication personnel within the department for succinct coordination, communication and ultimate success with desired project outcomes and meeting company objectives. Ensures all employees' work in a safe environment and follow all safety rules. People Management roles embrace leadership as a choice, a responsibility, and a remarkable privilege to positively impact the lives of others. Job satisfaction in People Management roles is measured by the synergy you instill in cross-functional team members, enabling them to achieve optimal outcomes. You model a positive learning environment and celebrate the journey as well as the destination. Essential functions - Strategic Leadership
- Develops and implements strategic plans to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality assurance aligned with organizational objectives.
- Plans, develops, and oversees implementation of comprehensive operating plans with the goals of continually increased throughput, consistent quality process control and on time delivery.
- Stays informed about industry trends, best practices, and technological advancements.
- Develops and manages budgets to ensure financial objectives are met.
- Serves as a key member of the leadership team in establishing and implementing long-term growth and profitability goals.
- Team Management
- Leads and inspires a diverse team of skilled professionals.
- Establishes and maintains a technical direction and supervisory oversight structure for the department, including career progression and succession planning.
- Hires, fires, promotes, disciplines, coaches, and awards staff members according to organizational policies.
- Within the department and across the organization, fosters a culture of respect, safety, quality, and continuous improvement aligning with the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
- Development Oversight
- Oversees all aspects of engineering/facilities department.
- Meets development goals for production and research/development activities in unison with safety, quality, productivity, schedule attainment, and morale.
- Establishes and maintains strong communication channels and processes with internal customers (Accelerator, Chemistry, Nuclear, etc.)
- Process Optimization, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance
- Engages team members in continuous improvement.
- Identifies and implements process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
- Implements and maintains quality control standards to meet/exceed customer expectations for both production and research/development.
- Collaborates with quality assurance teams to address and resolve any issues promptly as well as creating methods to reduce defects.
- Ensures manufacturing processes comply with relevant industry standards and regulations.
- Facilities and Maintenance
- Provides oversight in the management of the organization's facilities.
- Establishes and maintains proper staffing of the facilities/maintenance team.
- Collaborates with other departments (EH&S/People Operations) to align with employee experience objectives as well as state and federal requirements.
Competencies - Analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; Organizational and project management skills for self and teams.
- Strong mechanical aptitude; Strong understanding of manufacturing practices and processes.
- Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
- Expertly performs in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
- Highly values integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Embraces and models the Niowave Values of Teamwork, Courage, Integrity, and Upright Zeal.
- Understands how to integrate into a new team/organization - appreciates the history of current state, know how and when to make suggestions, as well as using just the right pace to reach the improved future state.
- Understands their own communication and learning styles, can assess others' styles, and is able to find the right path to connect the two.
Required education and experience - Bachelor degree in Engineering required; preferred fields of study are: Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering.
- Engineering experience in both the Research/Development and Production environments.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing/engineering leadership roles
- 8+ years staff management experience, with demonstrated ability to build cohesive teams, establish career development tracks, and succession planning.
- Experience applying lean manufacturing principles and practices.
- Knowledge of CAD design fundamentals and past work with design (Solidworks preferred).
- Knowledge of fluid dynamics (compressible and incompressible) and of heat transfer in water, gases, etc. and of thermodynamics.
- Experience with general shop fabrication and assembly and experience interfacing with shop personnel.
- Hands-on experience utilizing lean manufacturing principles for continuous process improvements (Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, 5S)
Preferred education and experience - Master's degree in Engineering required; preferred fields of study are: Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering.
- Management of capital construction projects.
- Lean manufacturing certification.
- Extensive formalized training in change management, project management, and people management.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk and hear; wear safety glasses, goggles, gloves, and Tyvek suit; handle chemicals, solutions, and/or radioactive materials. Ability to lift or move products and supplies, up to 50 pounds. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work/Travel - Full-time position.
- Company's standard operating hours are Monday thru Friday 6a - 6p with production related activities requiring 24/7/365 shifts. This position will have regular working hours during M - F with an expectation of adjusting to work outside of the standards operating hours as needed.
- Niowave has multiple locations within the Lansing area. Travel between locations is expected in the role.
Other duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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