ENGINEERING MANAGER in Polkton, North Carolina at Southern Fabricators

Location: Polkton, NC
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full-Time

Are you an experienced engineering leader who enjoys solving manufacturing challenges, improving processes, and turning ideas into practical solutions on the production floor? We’re looking for an experienced Engineering Manager to lead Southern Fabricators’ Engineering team and support continued improvement across our manufacturing operations.

This role is ideal for someone who can balance technical engineering knowledge with strong leadership, project management, and hands-on manufacturing experience. You’ll work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and leadership to improve safety, quality, efficiency, manufacturability, and overall operational performance.

• Lead, supervise, and provide direction to Manufacturing Engineers, Engineering Technicians, and other Engineering personnel

• Assign engineering projects and establish department priorities based on production needs, customer requirements, and company goals

• Oversee engineering projects from concept and design through fabrication, testing, implementation, and completion

• Lead new product introduction activities and support the transition of new products and processes into production

• Review products and manufacturing processes for opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and cost

• Oversee the design, fabrication, testing, and implementation of fixtures, jigs, tooling, and other manufacturing solutions

• Provide technical support to Production and help resolve manufacturing, process, equipment, and design-related issues

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives involving workflow, tooling, automation, equipment, and manufacturing processes

• Support manufacturing operations including welding, laser cutting, press brake/forming, machining, robotic/cobot operations, and other metal fabrication processes

• Assist with the evaluation, selection, installation, and implementation of new equipment and technology

• Collaborate with Maintenance on equipment upgrades, installations, and process improvement projects

• Partner with Quality to investigate product and process concerns, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions

• Review and approve engineering drawings, designs, specifications, process documentation, and engineering changes

• Ensure engineering drawings, revisions, specifications, and project records are properly maintained and communicated

• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers as needed

• Monitor project schedules, resources, costs, priorities, and completion dates

• Communicate project status, risks, delays, and resource needs to company leadership

• Coach and develop Engineering team members while establishing clear performance expectations and department goals

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering field

• Previous engineering experience in a manufacturing, metal fabrication, or industrial environment

• Previous supervisory, leadership, or engineering management experience

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing and metal fabrication processes

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, prints, specifications, and technical documentation

• Experience with CAD software and engineering design systems

• Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills

• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Experience with new product introduction, manufacturing process development, fixtures, tooling, or capital equipment projects preferred

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, or other continuous improvement methodologies preferred

• Experience with welding, machining, laser cutting, press brake/forming, automation, or robotic manufacturing systems is a plus

At Southern Fabricators, we value our employees and provide opportunities to grow while working in a hands-on manufacturing environment. We offer a competitive benefits package that supports both your career and well-being:

• Paid vacation

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Hands-on training and skill development

• Opportunities for long-term career growth

• Stable employment with an established manufacturing company

This position works in both an office and active manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with employees and equipment on the production floor.

Responsibilities may extend beyond those listed as business and production needs evolve. The Engineering Manager plays a key leadership role in ensuring Engineering priorities remain aligned with Southern Fabricators’ operational goals while supporting safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing.