Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Summary:

Directs the Manufacturing Engineering and CNC Programming in developing and managing manufacturing processes that improve operational performance while strategically meeting business objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead Manufacturing Engineering Operations

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering and CNC Programming teams to plan, prioritize, and execute projects aligned with business objectives.
• Define project scope, schedules, and resource requirements; forecast and manage costs in collaboration with operations and cross‑functional teams.
• Plan and execute capital equipment and process improvement initiatives to advance manufacturing capabilities.
• Oversee programming workload to ensure production schedules are met.

Manufacturing Process & Technology Leadership

• Develop, standardize, and improve manufacturing processes, CNC programs, and engineering tools to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and throughput.
• Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA) initiatives in partnership with Design Engineering to optimize cost, quality, delivery, and margins.
• Oversee routing, tooling, fixtures, jigs, CAM systems, and process documentation.
• Track, analyze, and report departmental and company KPIs.

Quality, Safety, and Compliance

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce scrap, rework, and quality issues.
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement, including 6S practices.
• Partner with EHS to ensure manufacturing processes comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage, coach, and develop Manufacturing Engineering and Programming staff through clear expectations, feedback, performance management, and mentoring.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful work environment that encourages knowledge sharing and professional growth.
• Identify training needs, delegate effectively, and support succession and leadership development.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures.
• Communicate manufacturing strategies, priorities, and performance across operations and leadership.
• Facilitate regular staff and project meetings to ensure alignment, transparency, and timely issue resolution.
• Maintain strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and support external customer requirements as needed.

Financial & Business Accountability

• Develop and manage departmental budgets; monitor spending, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead cost‑reduction and efficiency initiatives across labor, tooling, setup, consumables, and manufacturing processes.

Documentation & Knowledge Management

• Maintain engineering, programming, and manufacturing documentation, including SOPs, SWIs, and process standards.
• Ensure accurate, current, and accessible knowledge systems that support operational excellence.

Continuous Improvement & Professional Growth

• Lead and participate in cross‑functional continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current with manufacturing technologies, industry trends, and best practices through professional development, conferences, and networking.

Qualifications Knowledge

• Software:
  Manufacturing Software, ERP (Infor M3 preferred), CAD Software (preferred), Manufacturing/Nesting Software (preferred), Quality control software:
  Romer, Faro, Renishaw (preferred).
• Other:
  Engineering Disciplines (STEM), Process Change Management, Understanding of R&D and design process.

Skills

• Verbal and Written Communication
• Management and Leadership
• Organizational Planning and Analysis
• Technical expert in other related manufacturing field to support company objectives
• Presentation Skills
• Fabrication:
  Welding, Robotic Welding
• Machining: CNC and Manual
• Forklift, Crane, Jib Crane (per Company certification)

Abilities

• Ability to drive team building and engineer a highly technical, dynamic team
• Ability to performance manage
• Ability to be collaborative
• Ability to provide mentorship
• Ability to give an oral presentation when needed
• Ability to work in a dynamic setting

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum: BSME Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering
• 3-5 years of engineering experience
• 5-10 years of relevant manufacturing experience
• 5+ years in a leadership or management role

Columbia Machine offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, short and long term disability, 401(k), incentive compensation, paid holidays, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer - Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Columbia does participate in E‑Verify.

Job Type: Full‑time

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Commute / Relocate

• Vancouver, WA 98661:
  Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

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