Manufacturing Engineering Manager in Simpson, Pennsylvania at Gentex Corporation

PURPOSE:

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads the manufacturing engineering team responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining efficient production processes. This role ensures products are manufactured safely, cost-effectively, and at high quality standards by driving process improvements, implementing new technologies, and supporting production operations. The manager collaborates closely with operations, quality, supply chain, product engineering, and maintenance teams to achieve operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in manufacturing processes (e.g., composites, plastics, injection molding) as well as automation technologies (e.g., PLCs, robotics), with a strong ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver results in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Team Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers across multishift operation.
• Set team goals aligned with company production and operational targets.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.
• Allocate engineering resources to support production and improvement projects.

2. Process Development & Optimization

• Design, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes and workflows.
• Lead process validation, capability studies, and equipment qualification.
• Identify and implement improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Apply lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

3. Production Support

• Provide technical support to production teams to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Analyze production data to identify root causes of defects or inefficiencies.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address recurring issues.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and process standards are maintained.

4. New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead manufacturing readiness for new product launches.
• Collaborate with product design teams to ensure manufacturability (DFM/DFA).
• Develop process flows, tooling, and equipment requirements for new products.
• Coordinate pilot builds and production ramp-ups.

5. Equipment & Automation

• Evaluate, select, and implement new manufacturing equipment and automation solutions.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment.
• Work with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and uptime.

6. Quality & Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and company procedures.
• Support audits and continuous improvement of quality systems.
• Partner with quality teams to reduce defects and improve yield.

7. Cost & Efficiency Improvements

• Identify opportunities for cost reduction in materials, labor, and processes.
• Manage capital equipment budgets and ROI justification.
• Drive productivity improvements and operational efficiency initiatives.

EDUCATION AND/OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSE(s):

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics or related field)
• 7–10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• 3–5 years of leadership or management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization.
• Experience with manufacturing systems, production equipment, and automation.
• Proficiency with engineering and data analysis tools (CAD, ERP, MES, statistical software).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, manufacturing systems or technical management
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, or advanced automation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma (DMAIC), Kaizen, and process capability analysis.
• Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks or equivalent), GD&T, and engineering drawing interpretation.
• Familiar with MRP/ERP systems and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Visio, Project).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and deliver under pressure.
• High analytical ability and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to create, foster, and work in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated Root Cause Analysis and Problem-Solving skills.

POSITION SUPERVISES:

This position will lead, mentor, and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team.

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

This position requires contact and interaction with a multitude of technical disciplines within GENTEX Corporation, not only within the Carbondale facility, but with “sister” plants throughout the United States.

This position will also require interaction with GENTEX suppliers and occasionally with the customer.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee may lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job may include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The individual must have a high level of comprehension, and a high level of general, verbal, written, and numerical intelligence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works majority of the day in a climate-controlled environment, with the exception of, or otherwise specified, performing work in the warehouse or manufacturing areas which are subject to changes in temperature and/or noise.

TRAVEL:

Limited travel required

LOCATION: Gentex’s Carbondale facility is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania in Lackawanna County. Carbondale, PA is about twenty miles north of Scranton, PA, 50 miles south of Binghamton, NY, and about 125 miles from New York City and Philadelphia. The area hosts numerous nearby state parks, nature preserves and local colleges and universities, including The University of Scranton and Marywood University. Northeast Pennsylvania is a beautiful area and offers an excellent cost of living. It is a great place to work, recreate, meet people, raise a family and live!

Gentex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for any applicable state or federal protected class. Gentex is an E-Verify Participant. Pre-employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required.