Mechanical Design Engineering ManagerLocation: Greater Charlotte, NC (on-site)
Industry: Capital Equipment / Engineered-to-Order Systems
TalentBridge is partnered with a growing engineering and manufacturing organization is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineering Manager to lead a team of designers responsible for supporting custom equipment projects from concept through fabrication. This role is ideal for an engineering professional who enjoys both leadership and hands-on design, and who thrives in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager will oversee design workload planning, drive standardization and best practices, and ensure high-quality 3D modeling and fabrication-ready drawings for multiple concurrent projects. This individual will also play a key role in shaping processes, developing design tools, and elevating team performance as the organization continues to scale.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Development- Lead, mentor, and support a mechanical design team, ensuring strong performance, accountability, and professional growth.
- Assign workload, monitor deliverables, and ensure the team meets project milestones and technical expectations.
- Establish and uphold design standards, best practices, and quality benchmarks across all design outputs.
- Conduct regular coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations; foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
Design Oversight & Technical Execution- Oversee creation of 3D models and 2D fabrication drawings using SolidWorks for custom mechanical equipment and assemblies.
- Review and approve models, drawings, and BOMs for completeness, accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with internal standards.
- Collaborate with engineering, project management, and manufacturing to ensure seamless transition of designs into production.
- Support root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions related to design, manufacturing issues, or field performance.
Process Improvement & Standardization- Develop and implement SOPs, templates, design guidelines, and continuous-improvement initiatives for the design function.
- Build and track KPIs for design speed, accuracy, and throughput; identify opportunities to reduce rework and increase efficiency.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to optimize workflows, improve drawing packages, and enhance communication between design, engineering, and operations.
Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration- Work closely with Project Engineers and Project Managers to align design schedules with overall project timelines.
- Provide technical leadership during design reviews, feasibility discussions, and manufacturing readiness meetings.
- Communicate design intent and changes across internal stakeholders and external vendors when necessary.
- Support quoting and cost-estimating activities with accurate and timely design information.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field preferred.
- 7+ years of mechanical design experience in a manufacturing, equipment, machinery, or engineered-to-order environment.
- 2+ years of leadership, mentorship, or team management experience strongly preferred.
- Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modeling, large assemblies, fabrication-level drawings).
- Strong understanding of fabrication, machining, welding, and industrial equipment design principles.
- Experience implementing design standards, driving process improvement, and managing workflow for a high-mix, project-based environment.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.