| Location | Sheboygan, Wisconsin |
The Manufacturing Engineering & NPI Manager leads the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes while driving successful introduction of new products into production. This role oversees a team of engineers, partners closely with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations, and ensures that products launch on time, at cost, and at the required quality levels. The manager is accountable for production readiness, process capability, equipment strategy, and continuous improvement across the plant.
This role is fully onsite, Mon-Fri, based in Mosel, WI. Open to relocation.
Specific Responsibilities:
Manufacturing Engineering Leadership.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing and process engineers.
Own manufacturing process capability, efficiency, and stability across all production lines.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
Oversee equipment selection, justification, installation, and validation.
Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
Lead cross‑functional NPI activities from concept through full production release.
Develop and execute NPI project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
Partner with R&D/Design Engineering to ensure manufacturability (DFM) and smooth handoff.
Oversee prototype builds, pilot runs, and production ramp‑up.
Ensure all process documentation (work instructions, PFMEA, control plans, routings) is complete and accurate before launch.
Drive readiness reviews (e.g., Gate Reviews, PPAP, First Article, Validation Builds).
Process Development & Optimization
Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve throughput, yield, and cost.
Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for process issues.
Implement automation, tooling, and technology improvements to enhance capability.
Maintain accurate process parameters, routings, and standards in ERP/MES systems.
Work closely with Operations to ensure production readiness and resolve daily issues.
Partner with Supply Chain on supplier readiness, tooling, and long‑lead items for NPI.
Collaborate with Quality on validation, capability studies, and compliance requirements.
Support Finance with cost modeling, capital planning, and ROI analysis.
Project & Change Management
Lead engineering change management (ECO/ECR) for manufacturing‑related updates.
Manage capital projects from concept through commissioning.
Track KPIs for NPI performance, process capability, and engineering productivity
Requirements:
Bachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical engineering discipline.
5+ years of industrial manufacturing experience - engineered-to-order, customizable, or built-to-order products; complex industrial products or equipment manufacturing. A mix of high-volume and engineered-to-order is especially valuable. Direct generator/engine experience is not required.
3+ years of leadership experience.
NPI / new product introduction experience.
Data-driven decision-making; continuous-improvement orientation.
Ability to partner closely with operations.
Experience managing larger technical teams; ability to assess talent and align resources.
Comfortable operating hands-on initially, then transitioning to coaching and mentoring.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.