Mechanical Engineer Manager Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mechanical Engineering Manager leads a team of Mechanical Engineers in support of new product development and sustaining engineering initiatives. This role ensures timely delivery of high-quality mechanical designs and documentation while maintaining mechanical readiness for MiTek phase gate reviews, prototype builds, tooling, and manufacturing transitions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers by setting clear expectations, delegating work appropriately, and ensuring accountability for quality, cost, and schedule.
• Own mechanical deliverables and readiness for MiTek phase gate reviews, ensuring designs, documentation, schedules, estimates, and identified risks are complete and review ready.
• Oversee the creation, review, and release of 2D and 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, and related documentation in accordance with company standards.
• Direct mechanical activities related to prototype builds, tooling development, first article inspections (FAIs), and validation testing; ensure results are reviewed and corrective actions implemented as needed.
• Establish, communicate, and enforce mechanical design standards and best practices, supporting consistent, high-quality engineering outcomes.
• Actively coach and mentor team members to develop technical capability, problem-solving skills, and design discipline.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Electrical Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure alignment on technical requirements, cost targets, and schedules.
• Own and support mechanical documentation systems and workflows, including PDM and ERP-related processes, and drive continuous improvement in documentation quality and usability.
• Provide regular communication to leadership regarding project status, risks, mitigation plans, and resource needs.
• Support internal and external audits as they relate to mechanical engineering processes and documentation.

ESSENTIAL TASKS                                                                                                                                                        

• Review and approve mechanical designs, drawings, tolerances, and specifications prior to release.
• Ensure appropriate definition and execution of mechanical testing and validation activities and review results against requirements.
• Oversee troubleshooting efforts related to mechanical design, supplier issues, or manufacturing challenges, ensuring root cause analysis and corrective actions are documented.
• Maintain and review mechanical project timelines, milestones, and resource plans.
• Conduct regular Mechanical Engineering team meetings focused on execution, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Support supplier communications related to tooling, prototypes, design revisions, and cost or schedule impacts.  

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing Mechanical Engineering team.
• Execute performance management activities including goal setting, ongoing feedback, coaching, and input into formal performance reviews.
• Identify short- and long-term resourcing needs and support hiring, onboarding, and succession planning activities.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and technical excellence.      

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or related discipline) required

EXPERIENCE  

• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in mechanical design and product development
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a people leadership or technical team leadership role
• Experience supporting products through prototype, tooling, and manufacturing release
• Audio product experience preferred

SKILLS & TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks is required, including hands-on experience creating, reviewing, and releasing complex 3D models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Well-rounded mechanical engineering background across multiple materials, including metals, plastics, rubbers, and fabrics, with an understanding of material behavior and design tradeoffs.
• Experience with a variety of production processes, including:
• • Injection and compression moldings
  • Metal stampings and formed sheet metal
  • Extrusions and related secondary operations
• Strong understanding of tolerancing, material selection, and DFM/DFA principles across multiple manufacturing methods.
• Working knowledge of PDM/PLM systems and ERP integration.
• Familiarity with FAI processes, controlled documentation, and quality systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); MS Project experience a plus.
• Comfortable presenting technical information and engineering tradeoffs in cross-functional and leadership settings.