Plant Engineering Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Busch Vacuum Solutions is a leading manufacturer of vacuum pumps, compressors, and blowers for use in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, food processing, metallurgy, biomedical, and material handling.

We have an immediate direct-hire opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineering Manager at our manufacturing plant in Virginia Beach, Virginia!

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads manufacturing engineering activities in a high-precision production environment supporting machining, assembly, and warehouse operations. This role is responsible for driving engineering projects, improving manufacturing processes, and leading continuous improvement initiatives across the facility. The manager oversees engineering resources, capital equipment planning, and cost reduction initiatives while ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

This role also leads the site's lean manufacturing initiatives, working cross-functionally to improve productivity, quality, and operational performance.

This position follows a Monday–Friday onsite schedule, with occasional domestic and international travel.

• Directs, schedules, and delegates assignments to manufacturing engineers and support staff to execute production and improvement projects on the shop floor.
• Manages engineering project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure initiatives are completed on time and at or under budget.
• Leads evaluation and specification of new manufacturing machinery and equipment, including purchase recommendations and financial justification.
• Drives cost reduction and efficiency improvements through process optimization, tooling improvements, and manufacturing method development.
• Designs and implements manufacturing processes for machining, fabrication, and assembly operations.
• Develops cost estimates for machining, fabrication, and assembly for both individual components and complete assemblies.
• Leads modifications and improvements to existing plant equipment and processes to enhance performance, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Directs engineering resources to support strategic initiatives defined in the Annual Plan and continuous improvement roadmap.
• Coaches and develops manufacturing engineers in problem solving, project execution, and lean manufacturing practices.
• Establishes and tracks departmental KPIs related to productivity, cost reduction, quality improvement, and project delivery.
• Supports and strengthens the company’s Shop Floor Management (SFM) system through data-driven problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leads the site’s Lean Manufacturing program, coordinating continuous improvement initiatives across machining, assembly, and support functions.
• Facilitates and prioritizes Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and waste reduction initiatives aligned with operational and Annual Plan objectives.
• Provide clear direction and leadership to the manufacturing engineering team, ensuring alignment with company strategy and operational priorities.
• Drive accountability for project execution, ensuring engineering initiatives are completed on schedule, within scope, and at or under budget.
• Develop and mentor engineers, strengthening technical capability, problem‑solving skills, and lean manufacturing knowledge.
• Foster strong collaboration between engineering, production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to support operational performance.
• Lead a culture of continuous improvement, ownership, and data‑driven decision making across the engineering function.
• Establish priorities and allocate engineering resources to support production needs, strategic initiatives, and long‑term capacity planning.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering: Required
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering supporting CNC machining or assembly operations: Required
• 5+ years of technical leadership, management, or supervisory experience: Required
• 5+ years of project management experience leading cross‑functional manufacturing improvement projects: Required
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, and plant engineering principles: Required
• Experience implementing lean manufacturing tools such as Kaizen events and value stream mapping: Required
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (5 Whys, A3 problem solving, Fishbone): Required
• Experience working with CNC machining, repetitive manufacturing environments, or rotating equipment: Required
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and process capability methods: Preferred
• Experience with automated production or auto‑loading environments: Preferred

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications: Required
• Experience with CAD/CAM systems: Required
• Experience with statistical analysis tools or software: Preferred

• Project Management Professional (PMP): Preferred

• Ability and willingness to pass a 10-panel drug screen, 7‑year criminal history check
  • Most felonies are a disqualifier, misdemeanors are considered on a case‑by‑case basis
• Ability and willingness to travel (up to 10%) domestically and internationally to include overnights
• Valid Drivers’ License must be maintained throughout employment that meets Busch insurance standards
• Employment with Busch Vacuum Solutions requires current work authorization in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs.
• Occasional lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs., squatting, kneeling, and reaching overhead.
• Must be able to hear and see alarms and wear required PPE including safety glasses, safety footwear, and hearing protection when required.

Busch Vacuum Solutions offers an attractive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, EAP, tuition reimbursement, Legal Plan, 401K, PTO, and more!

Opportunity for growth and advancement via on‑the‑job training, paid training/certifications, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for advancement within the company. Busch values promoting from within!

Moderately controlled manufacturing environment, moderate noise levels, fumes, and airborne particles, while working near moving mechanical parts.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily.