Engineering Manager Jobs in Hawthorne, CA (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY

The Engineering Manager – The Engineering Manager – Manufacturing is responsible for leading and overseeing all engineering functions within the engineering group to support projects at the various manufacturing plants, ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of manufacturing systems, infrastructure, and processes. This role directs engineering activities across multiple technical disciplines, including facility utilities, production equipment, automation, and data systems, while supporting operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives.

The Engineering Manager will plan, execute, and deliver engineering projects across their full lifecycle—ensuring alignment with business objectives, budget constraints, timelines, and quality standards. This role serves as a key cross-functional partner to Operations, Maintenance, IT, and Logistics to drive innovation, scalability, and cost efficiencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other job-related duties may be assigned.
Engineering Leadership & Strategy·

Lead and manage all plant engineering functions, establishing priorities aligned with business and operational goals

· Develop and implement engineering strategies, policies, and procedures to support manufacturing excellence

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, cost reduction, and system reliability

· Stay current on emerging technologies and recommend/implement advancements to enhance capabilities

Plant Systems & Infrastructure Oversight

· Oversee plant facility systems including utilities, pellet/bulk material handling systems, and conveying systems

· Manage facility and electrical power infrastructure, including distribution systems and equipment capacity planning

· Ensure reliability and compliance of all extruders, electrical systems, and production power requirements

· Oversee MSP (Managed Service Providers) and plant-level technical support services

Equipment, Automation & Controls

· Lead engineering support for major production equipment and tooling

· Drive automation initiatives, including mixer systems and advanced process controls

· Oversee equipment controls, PLC systems, and integration of manufacturing technologies

· Manage specialized systems including laser printing equipment and related technologies

Capital Projects & Expansion

· Plan and execute production expansion projects, including new equipment installations and facility upgrades

· Lead project lifecycle management including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and execution

· Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure successful project delivery

· Monitor timelines, risks, and deliverables to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget

Data, Systems & Logistics Integration

· Oversee engineering-related data management systems, including AS400 integration and reporting

· Partner with Logistics and Operations to optimize material flow, throughput, and system efficiency

· Support data-driven decision-making through system enhancements and reporting improvements

Financial & Project Management

· Develop and manage engineering budgets, including capital and operational expenditures

· Identify cost-saving opportunities through process improvements, technology upgrades, and vendor optimization

· Ensure proper resource allocation and prioritization of engineering initiatives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Partner with Operations, Maintenance, IT, and Supply Chain to align engineering efforts with plant needs

· Lead cross-functional initiatives related to new products, system upgrades, and process improvements

· Support safety, compliance, and regulatory initiatives across all engineering functions

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This role supervises 11 employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily as listed above as well as below:

· Minimum 5+ years of managerial experience in a manufacturing environment

· Deep expertise in plant engineering systems, utilities, automation, and production equipment

· Strong knowledge of electrical systems, controls, and industrial infrastructure

· Experience managing capital projects and large-scale equipment implementations

· Familiarity with ERP systems (AS400 preferred), data systems, and manufacturing technologies

· Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver complex projects

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline required Master’s degree preferred. Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

CERTIFICATIONS

· Professional Engineer (PE) license – preferred

· Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) – strongly preferred

· PMP (Project Management Professional) – preferred

· Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) – preferred

· OSHA 30 Certification – preferred

· Experience with automation/PLC systems – preferred

COMPUTER SKILLS

Possess intermediate to advanced knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), Paycom, and related reporting tools. Internet/Intranet experience.