Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Mankato, Minnesota at Kinperium-Hiniker LLC

Kinperium-Hiniker LLC (Hiniker) is a Minnesota based manufacturer. With roots in the agricultural equipment industry going back to 1970 and continuing today, we know how to build tough, productive, reliable equipment. Hiniker is known for sturdy cultivators, efficient shredders, and niche equipment such as the cover crop seeder and NH3 monitors.

In 1995, Hiniker branched into designing and manufacturing snow removal equipment, which is a trusted tool for many. Hiniker snow and ice equipment is built to enable the operator to work as efficiently as possible. We do this with innovative and purpose-built designs like the Hiniker C-Plow and the Hiniker Scoop Plow. We also manufacture a line of spreaders and skid steer plows. In 2024, we expanded our offerings with the acquisition of Daniels Plows, further strengthening our commitment to high-quality snow removal solutions.

We are currently seeking Manufacturing Engineering Manager with strong experience in manufacturing environments. This position is located in Mankato, MN.

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will lead and optimize our manufacturing engineering functions. This is a leadership role within the company and pivotal in designing, implementing, and continuously improving manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and uphold our high-quality standards. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong technical acumen and a passion for continuous improvement.

Manufacturing Engineering Manager Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process Design & Optimization Develop, evaluate, and enhance manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Identify and implement tooling, assembly methods, and workflow strategies to boost productivity and minimize waste. Project Management
• Lead cross-functional engineering projects from conception through execution.
• Manage project schedules, resources, and budgets to deliver successful outcomes.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers.
• Provide performance feedback and technical direction to support both individual and team success.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with quality standards and regulations.
• Troubleshoot production issues, drive root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor and analyze production costs and recommend cost-effective solutions.
• Drive initiatives that reduce operational expenses and increase profitability.
• Track KPIs such as cycle time, scrap rates, and yield to identify trends and areas for process enhancement.
• Leverage data to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Partner with Product Engineering, R&D, Production, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure seamless transitions from product design to production.
• Foster open communication and problem-solving across departments.
• Lean & Continuous Improvement
• Champion lean manufacturing initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen, and value stream mapping.
• Lead efforts to improve throughput, eliminate bottlenecks, and enhance operational excellence.
• Equipment Management
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and recommend upgrades for manufacturing equipment to ensure reliability and peak performance.

Manufacturing Engineering Manager Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on knowledge of machining operations.
• Ability to coach and lead diverse technical teams toward operational excellence
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products, including Excel, PowerPoint

Manufacturing Engineering Manager Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering
• Proven experience leading engineering teams.
• Safety-focused mindset with a proactive approach to risk management is required
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.