Project Engineer Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

We’re Hiring: Project Engineering Manager

Kato Cable is growing — and we’re looking for a strong engineering leader to help us scale what’s next.

This isn’t a “sit behind a desk and manage spreadsheets” kind of role. We’re looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, leading teams, improving processes, and partnering across departments to make things happen. Someone who can balance technical expertise with leadership, accountability, and customer focus.

You’ll lead our Project Engineering function through:

• New product launches
• Manufacturability reviews
• Prototype & first builds
• Process improvement & automation
• Cross-functional problem solving
• Mentoring and developing engineering talent

We’re a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment supporting complex cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and panel assemblies — and we have exciting growth ahead.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong engineering and manufacturing background
• Leadership mindset with the ability to coach and hold teams accountable
• Lean / continuous improvement experience
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Passion for solving problems and building better systems

At Kato Cable, we believe the best ideas come from collaboration, innovation, and people who genuinely care about the work they do.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a real impact with a growing team — we’d love to connect.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

JOB PURPOSE: The Project Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the Project Engineering function and supporting complex customer programs throughout the product lifecycle including manufacturability review, quoting support, prototype builds, first production builds, and production sustainment. This role provides leadership and development for the engineering team while driving cross-functional execution, scalable engineering systems, process standardization, automation, KPI management, and continuous improvement initiatives including Lean, 5S, value stream mapping, waste reduction, and cost optimization to support safety, quality, delivery, and operational performance. The Project Engineering Manager partners closely with operational teams and customers to support customer requirements, improve manufacturing performance, and deliver high-quality solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the Project Engineering team (Project Engineers, technicians, interns); establish clear expectations, priorities, and accountability.
• Own departmental capacity planning and assignment of resources; track and manage multiple projects to meet customer commitments and internal milestones.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex technical issues; lead structured problem-solving, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation.
• Partner with Purchasing, Manufacturing Engineering, Customer Service, Quality, Production, and Management to align priorities, remove barriers, and deliver results.
• Provide technical customer support and communication; participate in customer meetings to clarify requirements, present solutions, and resolve issues.
• Ensure robust manufacturability reviews for new and existing programs; identify design/process improvements that reduce cost and improve quality and throughput.
• Oversee creation and review of engineering deliverables (prints, BOMs, work instructions, routings, receiving logs, shipping instructions) to ensure accuracy and standardization.
• Establish and maintain drawing/design standards and controlled documentation; ensure compliance with applicable requirements (ISO documentation, UL compliance/audits, IPC standards).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Lean, value stream mapping, cost reduction); lead cross-functional projects and kaizens from charter through sustainment.
• Develop, monitor, and report department KPIs; facilitate regular department meetings to review performance, set actions, and self-correct.
• Champion automation and standard work within engineering processes (tools/templates/workflows) to improve speed, quality, and repeatability.
• Ensure effective use and integration of ERP and engineering systems; promote data integrity and best practices across the team.
• Support Manufacturing Engineering as required; ensure smooth handoffs from quoting to launch to production and sustainment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or contract manufacturing environment with increasing engineering responsibility.
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), manufacturability review, quoting support, and first production builds.
• Prior leadership experience in a formal leadership or team lead capacity preferred.
• Strong understanding of engineering documentation including BOMs, routings, prints, and work instructions.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and solving complex technical or operational issues.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems.

REQUIRED COMPUTER SKILLS

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook
• ERP/MRP systems
• CAD software (AutoCAD or equivalent)
• General computer and internet proficiency

DESIRED LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong engineering expertise and understanding of manufacturing and contract manufacturing operations
• Ability to solve large, complex problems and implement effective solutions
• Ability to establish expectations and hold teams accountable
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across departments
• Desire to improve systems, automate processes, and drive operational excellence
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to responsiveness and execution
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop technical talent
• Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for building scalable processes

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience leading a Project Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering team in a high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Experience with cable assemblies, wire harnesses, control panels, or electromechanical assemblies.
• CAD experience including AutoCAD or equivalent design software.
• Experience supporting production ramp-up activities and first-build execution.
• Familiarity with UL, ISO, IPC, and customer compliance requirements.
• Experience implementing automation, KPI systems, or workflow/process improvements within engineering operations.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MEASURES

• On-time execution of engineering deliverables and project milestones
• Effective prioritization and management of multiple customer programs
• Improvement in department KPIs related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost
• Reduction of repeat issues through effective corrective and preventive action implementation
• Improved standardization, workflow efficiency, and engineering process scalability
• Successful support of customer requirements, audits, and production launches
• Development and engagement of the engineering team
• Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand - Frequent

Walk - Frequent

Sit - Frequent

Use of Hands or Fingers - Constant

Reaching - Rare /Occasional

Climb or Balance - Rare /Occasional

Crouching or Kneeling - Rare /Occasional

Talk or Hear - Constant

• Weight Requirements

0 – 10 lbs. - Constant

11 – 25 lbs. - Rare /Occasional

26 – 50 lbs. - Rare /Occasional

* Rare to Occasional (R/O) = 0-20 times during a shift or up to 33% of the time

* Frequent (F) = 20-100 times during a shift or 33-66% of the time

* Constant (C) = Over 100 times during a shift or 66-100% of the time

• Vision Requirements
• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
• Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment with regular interaction and collaboration within a manufacturing setting. The role routinely uses standard office equipment and technology and requires periodic presence on the production floor to support operations, projects, troubleshooting, and cross-functional communication.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.