Job Description

Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Stillwater, MN | Direct-Hire | $130,000–$155,000 Base Salary + ESOP & Profit Sharing

Konik is partnering with an employee-owned manufacturing organization seeking to add a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead engineering operations, process improvement initiatives, and manufacturing optimization efforts across a growing production environment. This is a highly visible leadership role focused on driving accountability, operational performance, and continuous improvement while partnering closely with production, R&D, maintenance, and supply chain teams.

This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on engineering leader who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments, enjoys solving complex operational challenges, and can balance technical depth with strong team leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Manufacturing Engineering Manager Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team while driving accountability, performance, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Oversee manufacturing process optimization efforts focused on productivity, quality, yield improvement, cost reduction, and equipment performance
• Partner with Production, R&D, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to support operational goals and new product introductions
• Support process scale-up activities, process validation, equipment commissioning, and manufacturing readiness initiatives
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to manufacturing performance, quality, throughput, cycle times, and operational efficiency
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 8D, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Manage capital improvement projects including budgeting, cost justification, implementation, and equipment upgrades
• Maintain engineering documentation, revision controls, product data management, BOMs, specifications, and ERP system accuracy
• Build structure, standardization, and scalable engineering processes across the manufacturing organization
• Collaborate with leadership teams to support strategic operational and business objectives

Manufacturing Engineering Manager Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 10+ years of manufacturing engineering leadership experience
• Strong background leading engineering teams within manufacturing or industrial production environments
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience supporting capital equipment, process optimization, manufacturing scale-up, and operational improvement initiatives
• Strong leadership, communication, decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Office tools; Power BI experience preferred
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement
• Proven ability to build trust, influence teams, and drive accountability across experienced manufacturing environments

Compensation & Benefits

• Quarterly profit sharing opportunities
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid personal leave and holidays
• Long-term career growth and leadership development opportunities

Be the first to learn about future positions by joining our Newsletter and following us on LinkedIn!

Konik is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other protected class status.

Konik has been a leader in the technical staffing industry for more than 50 years, providing the fastest and easiest link between employees and employers. Konik has specialized in placing professional, qualified personnel in Minnesota and western Wisconsin businesses since its inception and maintains a strong commitment to customer service.