Regional Engineering Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Our client, a confidential design, development, engineering & manufacturing organization, is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead its engineering function. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a technical leader who thrives on driving program launches, developing engineering talent, and partnering with the customers to deliver product excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Engineering Manager reports directly to the General Manager, North America Region, and is responsible for the general and specific engineering job duties outlined below. This role leads and develops the plant's engineering resources, including Designers, Engineers and Technical Project Managers — a direct team of approximately five engineering professionals — while partnering closely with cross-functional team members across Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Corporate Engineering to drive product design/development, program launches, process development, and continuous improvement.

The role carries end-to-end ownership of the engineering function, spanning design and development, engineering execution, manufacturing feasibility, customer-facing interviews and technical discussions, and ongoing compliance with customer requirements.

This position provides direction and support for the development of production processes and systems used for new and existing business, guides capital and tooling budget preparation for new programs, and manages the Appropriation Request process for equipment and facilities. The Engineering Manager conducts part design and manufacturing feasibility reviews, monitors compliance to product program schedules, and manages, directs, and mentors engineers in the execution of their responsibilities and career development.

The role interfaces directly with customers and Corporate Engineering groups to secure resources for development & launch support, drives continuous improvement within current process technologies, and leads the development and implementation of new technologies. The Engineering Manager also provides cost and timing estimates for tooling, equipment, and packaging changes, and promotes safety and ergonomics across all phases of engineering activity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Job Duties

• Lead design, development, and engineering activities in support of new and existing programs.

• Own manufacturing feasibility assessments for new part designs and process changes.

• Represent Engineering in customer interviews and technical discussions and ensure ongoing compliance with customer requirements.

• Provide direction and support for development of production processes and systems to be utilized for new and existing business.

• Guide, monitor, and manage the preparation of capital equipment budgets and tool budgets for new business programs or new processes.

• Conduct part design / manufacturing feasibility reviews.

• Monitor compliance to Product Program Schedules for all program-related activities.

• Manage, direct, guide, assist, and counsel engineers in the execution of their responsibilities and in their individual career development.

• Interface with customer and Corporate Engineering groups to provide required resources for launch support activities.

• Drive continuous improvement efforts within current process technologies and in the development and implementation of new technologies.

• Provide cost and timing estimates as required for tooling, equipment, and packaging changes.

• Promote Safety and Ergonomics in all phases of engineering.

• Review and approve plant activities in support of design engineering changes and new and existing programs.

• Provide direction and support for facilities maintenance and tool repair departments in support of operations and projects.

• Track actual and forecast capital spending by line item and asset tag detail for capital projects.

• Develop and maintain capacity analysis studies to provide input to corporate and customer volume inquiries.

• Review and update Bill of Material and Process Routing documents.

• Review, approve, and track Engineering Change Requests and Engineering Change Notifications.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Specific Job Duties

• Provide operational guidance and excellence in all departments.

• Support training of operators and supervisors in standardized processes.

• Work closely with manufacturing team members as well as leadership to troubleshoot, qualify, and resolve process concerns.

• Own the launch process and ensure launches follow IATF standards.

• Lead, develop, and manage a direct team of approximately five engineering professionals, including Program Managers, Project Managers, and Technical Project Managers.

• Coordinate and align cross-functional team members to support engineering and program objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related field is required.

• A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment leading technical people is required.

• Soft trim experience a plus.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and activities simultaneously.

• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail.

• PLC or programming experience a plus.

• Ability to supervise under general guidance.

• Able to work well in a team environment.

• Good working knowledge of Windows-based applications and database applications.

• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills (verbal and written).

• Specific knowledge of tooling equipment and cost projection, along with knowledge of automotive quality and engineering expectations.

• Experience in managing design resources, Program Managers, Project Managers, and Technical Project Managers preferred.

WHAT SETS THIS ROLE APART

• Direct, high-visibility leadership of the plant's engineering function, reporting straight to the Plant Manager.

• Ownership of program launches from feasibility through production, with real influence over capital and tooling investment decisions.

• A hands-on role that blends technical problem-solving with people leadership — building and mentoring a team of engineering professionals.

• Broad cross-functional exposure, partnering with Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Corporate Engineering on a daily basis.

COMPENSATION & DETAILS

• Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience (details available upon inquiry).

• Location: Confidential — disclosed to qualified candidates upon initial screening.

• Employment Type: Full-Time

• Reports To: General Manager, North America Region

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW
VanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of n independent, medium-sized supplier in this market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.
Due to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.