Manufacturing Development Program Jobs in Portland, OR

We're seeking a dynamic, hands-on leader who thrives at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and customer-focused execution. The ideal candidate is a highly organized and technically strong manufacturing professional with a passion for operational excellence, team development, and delivering high-quality custom solutions in a fast-paced environment.

This individual brings a strong foundation in manufacturing or industrial engineering and a track record of successfully managing production operations-ideally within a custom or medium-volume, high-mix environment. They are equally comfortable on the shop floor and in strategic discussions, able to translate customer requirements into efficient, scalable production plans while maintaining strict adherence to quality and regulatory standards.

Shop Location: 2515 SE Mailwell Drive, Milwaukie, OR 97222

Shop Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Custom Manufacturing Manager is responsible for the execution of production activities for the Custom Solutions team to ensure on-time delivery and alignment with customer need and appreciation of expectations. This role collaborates with a cross-functional team from Engineering, Sales, Supply Chain and Logistics departments to ensure materials, resources, and production plans are effectively aligned to demand.

In addition to managing the daily operations of the custom solutions shop, the manager is accountable for optimizing resource utilization, monitoring production performance, and providing regular reporting to leadership on cost, capacity, lead times and operational metrics. The role also ensures compliance with all quality and regulatory standards, including SQS-D and ISO 9001, while driving continuous improvement in processes, safety and team capability.

This position plays a key leadership role in developing team performance, maintaining workforce readiness and certifications and supporting strategic growth through effective planning, budgeting and operational execution.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical

• Participate in the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes.
• Assist engineering with reviewing and quoting new opportunities.
• Facilitate shop tours when requested by the customer or other visitors.
• Support the product realization process to facilitate the launch of new product into production.
• Analyze workflows and eliminate inefficiencies.
• Standardize cleanroom operations, processes, capabilities and performance.
• Identify and resolve production issues in a timely manner.

Leadership

• Participates in cross functional teams with Swagelok network.
• Recruits, hires, trains staff, evaluates employee performance and recommends or initiates promotions, transfers and disciplinary action.
• Analyzes and resolves work problems or assists employees in solving work problems.
• Develops, monitors and maintains annual team and department metrics that ensure success.
• Collaborate with other departments to develop and implement improvements in policies, practices, processes and operational outputs in the Custom Solutions department.
• Ensures adequate employee resources and certifications to drive shop performance and growth.

Quality Control and Assurance

• Ensures all quality processes, SOP, WI, and safety guidelines are followed.
• Communicates and ensures adherence to the quality management system.
• Ensures inspection and check-in of custom outsourced products per the standard process.
• Implement and oversee maintenance programs for production equipment.
• Ensures adherence to equipment maintenance and calibration schedules and maintains related records.
• Ensures training and safe use of equipment/tools/machinery.

Managerial

• Partners with the various departments, including Engineering and Supply Chain, to ensure appropriate materials and information are acquired to meet customer and team needs.
• Plan and delegate work to support production schedules and ensure on-time delivery to customer need dates.
• Weekly, monthly, and annual reporting to leadership. 
• Preparation of cost information, resource management information and other reports, as needed or assigned.
• Participate in annual budget process.  Responsible for tracking and management to assigned budget.
• Manages certification program to meet needs of organization and growth.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Attention to detail
• Flexibility
• Team player
• Creative problem-solving
• Production environment acumen
• Advanced troubleshooting and multi-tasking skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Education

• Bachelor's Degree - Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience.
• Product development experience preferred.
• Welding, bending, and machining experience.
• Cleanroom experience preferred.
• Leadership experience or significant project leadership experience.
• Fast-paced production environment.
• Applying lean and continuous improvement methodology.

Required Skills and Certifications

• Mechanical aptitude
• Use of gauges, calipers, and measuring devices
• Basic understanding of fluid systems and products
• Data Analysis experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Maintain annual visual acuity certification

Preferred Skills and Certifications

• Ability to interpret P&ID's
• Basic electrical knowledge
• Ability to solve complex problems
• Strong organizational skills

EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Business System and Planning Software Experience

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing for extended periods
• Warehouse and shop environment including associated tools, forklift, and welding equipment
• Bending and reaching for inventory and supplies
• Some sitting at computer workstations for long periods
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds using a back brace