Manufacturing Engineering Manager at CMC Rescue Inc – Goleta, California

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Position Summary

The CMC Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high quality, industry-leading life safety products. This role will deliver production-ready products, robust processes, scalable equipment solutions, and controlled documentation that ensure quality, safety, and margin objectives.

Reporting to the Director of Engineering and Quality, this position provides hands-on technical leadership while building and developing a high-performing team. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager partners cross-functionally to ensure seamless product realization from design through full-rate production and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team to support business growth and operational excellence.
• Set clear priorities, performance expectations, and accountability measures aligned with company objectives.
• Conduct performance reviews, support professional development, and ensure effective utilization of department resources.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Product Realization & New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Own the product realization process from design transfer through production launch.
• Partner with Design Engineering to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), assembly optimization, and cost efficiency.
• Develop manufacturing strategies including tooling, fixtures, automation, and production flow.
• Ensure accurate cost modeling, margin analysis, and production readiness prior to launch.
• Lead Engineering Change Order (ECO) implementation and manufacturing validation activities.

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Lead research, development, and implementation of robust manufacturing processes.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical process control initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Own process based corrective action and root cause analysis efforts.
• Serve as subject matter expert and change agent for continuous improvement initiatives.

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing documentation is accurate, controlled, and production-ready, including:
  • Work and assembly instructions
  • Bills of Materials (BOMs)
  • Routings and process documentation
  • Tooling and equipment specifications
• Ensure processes meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements relevant to life safety equipment manufacturing.

Facility, Equipment & Automation

• Evaluate, specify, and implement production equipment, tooling, and automation solutions.
• Oversee capital equipment justification, ROI analysis, installation, and commissioning.
• Support the development and implementation of new production lines or facilities.
• Support maintenance programs and equipment reliability initiatives.

Cross-Functional & External Engagement

• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Product Development to ensure alignment and execution.
• Participate in supplier visits, customer meetings, and industry trade events as required.
• Stay current with manufacturing technologies and industry advancements to maintain competitive leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience.
• 3+ years of people leadership experience.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Statistical Process Control.
• Demonstrated experience leading NPI and product transfer to production.
• Experience with automation, controls, and production equipment implementation.
• Proficiency with CAD systems (SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in regulated or safety-critical product manufacturing.
• Experience with textile, rope, sewn goods, or similar material fabrication processes.
• Hands-on machining or fabrication experience.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and systems thinking
• Technical depth with practical execution
• Financial and margin awareness
• Change leadership
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Clear, executive-level communication
• High attention to detail