Manufacturing Engineering Manager at Polywater Corporation

Stillwater, Minnesota, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

10 Aug, 26

Salary

185000.0

Posted On

12 May, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, Leadership, Process Optimization, Data Analysis, Cross-functional Leadership, Budgeting, Capital Project Management, ERP Software, Power BI, Decision Making, Communication, Personnel Management, Continuous Improvement, Project Management

Industry

Chemical Manufacturing

Description

This role is not for someone who wants to maintain the status quo. We’re looking for a hands-on engineering leader who sees gaps, owns problems, and drives solutions - all the way through. You don’t wait for direction, and you don’t pass issues along -you take responsibility for outcomes. You’re comfortable making decisions, holding people accountable, and stepping into difficult conversations when needed. You lead from the front. That means setting clear expectations, building structure where it’s missing, and developing your team to perform at a higher level. You know how to balance technical depth with leadership presence - you can dive into process details one minute and influence cross-functional partners the next. Just as important - you know how to read the room. We have a team with deep experience and strong institutional knowledge. Success in this role requires someone who can listen first, learn what’s working, and build trust—not come in and steamroll existing knowledge or relationships. You bring a point of view, but you also bring judgment. You know when to push, when to partner, and when to adapt. You’ll thrive here if you: * Take initiative without being asked * Hold a high bar for performance (for yourself and others) * Use data to drive decisions—not opinions * Can influence without overpowering * Respect and leverage the knowledge of those around you * Are energized by fixing what’s broken and improving what works You will likely struggle in this role if you: * Prefer to be told what to do or wait for direction * Avoid accountability conversations * Get stuck in analysis without driving action * Come in with a “tear it all down” mindset without understanding the current state * Have difficulty building trust across experienced teams Position Summary The Manufacturing Engineering Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the manufacturing processes within the company. They are responsible for overseeing and managing the engineering activities within the manufacturing facility, ensuring that products are made to meet quality standards, production schedules, and cost objectives. This role drives process optimization, continuous improvement, equipment performance, quality enhancements, and cost reduction initiatives while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations. The Engineering Manager partners closely with Production, R&D, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to achieve production targets and strategic business objectives. Responsibilities Process & Manufacturing Development: * Establishes, leads, and standardizes engineering disciplines to optimize production, quality, and costs. * Acts as a focal point for Engineering issues related to manufacturing. * Improves product and packaging manufacturability and quality by optimizing processes, including designing, implementing, and enhancing manufacturing methods to increase yield and reduce cost. Cross-Functional Leadership: * Coordinating with Research and Development personnel to execute new product introduction. * Oversee scale-up, quality/packaging standards, ERP entry, process validation and equipment commissioning (IQ/OQ/PQ). Data Analysis & KPIs: * Establishing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as defect rates, cycle times, and cost of quality. * Collect, analyze, and report data to senior leadership to drive data-driven decisions. Leadership * Oversee Manufacturing Engineer’s design, cost justification and budgeting/approval for capital improvement projects. * Manage the hiring, training, and evaluation of staff based on business needs and performance. * Resolve personnel issues with and within the manufacturing team and involve Human Resources when necessary. * Develop and enforce policies and procedures for standard work within the department. Other * Leads Continuous Improvement and Corrective Action initiatives through Root Cause Analysis for Process and Equipment issues. * Maintain and control Documentation Vault of Product Data related to the Product Master Files and related revision controls of Part Numbers, Routers, BOMs, Prints, Drawings, Specifications, etc. * Develop budgets and approve expenditures on capital projects and equipment. Skills and Specifications * Experience working in an engineering and manufacturing environment leading teams of skilled and semi-skilled workers. * Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies like 8D. * Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities. * English required. * Proven initiative-taker with entrepreneurial mind-set and can work independently. * Ability to provide industry knowledge and technical expertise to colleagues, vendors, and external audiences * Communication and interpersonal skills to effectively work with people across departments. * Ability to partner with and influence leadership, vendors, suppliers, and external audiences. * Infrequent travel may be required. * Thrives working in a small, innovative team environment. Education and Qualifications * Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering; Master’s degree is a plus. * 10+ years of experience leading Engineering teams * Advanced skills in MS Office and ERP software. * Experience with Power BI preferred Physical Requirements * Work activity is moderately strenuous with moderate risk. * Ability to sit for extended periods using computer systems regularly. * Lift and move materials up to fifty pounds on an occasional basis. * Must have the ability to see close detail with or without assistive devices, detect colors and odors, manipulate small parts with finger dexterity, speak clearly and move around the facility in a safe manner. BENEFITS at POLYWATER Ownership & Financial Growth * Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – build equity in the company at no cost to you * Competitive 401(k) with company match * Profit sharing opportunities WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT AN ESOP? * You become a part-owner of the company. * You earn stock without investing your own money. * Your account grows as the company performs well. * When you retire or leave, you cash out your shares for their fair market value. * It’s in addition to other benefits like 401(k) and profit sharing. Other Benefits * Insurance: Health, Dental, Life, & Disability, Vision * EAP * Paid Personal Leave * Paid Holidays Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. Posted salary range below includes base pay, plus quarterly profit sharing.

Responsibilities

Oversee manufacturing engineering activities to optimize production, quality, and costs while driving continuous improvement initiatives. Lead the engineering team and partner with cross-functional departments to execute new product introductions and meet strategic business objectives.