Engineering Operations Manager in Chino, California at Phoenix Mecano Inc

This role is a new position. We are seeking a hands-on site leadership professional who enjoys building teams, launching production, solving technical challenges, and helping a new manufacturing operation scale successfully. This is a high-visibility role with direct impact on production start-up, engineering and operations development, supplier readiness, customer support, and long-term site performance.

In this role, you will lead the California site from early-stage operations to a scalable, high-performance manufacturing hub supporting our automation solutions division. You will own production ramp-up, develop engineering and operations capabilities, strengthen local supplier performance, and serve as the primary technical interface for customers.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

· Join a stable, growing organization at a pivotal stage in the expansion of its North American manufacturing footprint.

· High-visibility leadership role with meaningful interaction across operations, engineering, customers, suppliers, senior leadership, and global partners.

· Opportunity to build and shape a growing production site from start-up through scalable, high-performance operations.

· Blend of hands-on manufacturing leadership, technical customer engagement, and strategic operational planning.

· Collaborative culture with an emphasis on practical solutions, continuous improvement, customer support, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

· Launch and scale production for automation solutions, ensuring processes, equipment, and operators reach planned quality, on-time delivery, and cost targets.

· Build and lead the engineering and operations teams, establishing standard work, performance expectations, and a growth-ready site structure.

· Qualify and manage local suppliers, securing reliable component flow, quality, and tooling needed for production ramp-up.

· Serve as the primary technical customer interface, handling product inquiries, application support, component selection, and design-related questions.

· Oversee daily production and continuous improvement, driving scheduling, inventory accuracy, quality compliance, and CI tools across the site.

· Own capital planning and execution, including equipment selection, installation, and cross-site standardization for scalable growth.

Phoenix Mecano is a trusted leader in the enclosure and automation solutions industry. Established for more than 50 years, we are continuing to expand our footprint in North America, including the launch and growth of our second production site in Chino, California.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required; Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Business preferred.

· 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial production environments, including hands-on start-up or scale-up work.

· 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering and/or operations teams.

· Demonstrated success launching or ramping production lines; experience with lift, linear, or drive systems preferred.

· Strong capability in supplier qualification, component sourcing, and vendor quality management.

· Proven ability to interface directly with customers on technical inquiries, troubleshooting, and application support.

· Experience with ERP, production scheduling, inventory discipline, and standard manufacturing KPIs.

· Solid knowledge of lean and continuous improvement tools, including 5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, and process standardization.

· Ability to travel between the California and Maryland sites as needed.

Generous Benefits

· Time Off: Annually 9 paid company holidays/17 days of paid time off/40 hours of paid sick leave each year, prorated.

· Comprehensive Benefits: Cigna medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family.

· Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with up to 4% company match.

· Health and Financial Wellness: H.S.A. with company match, F.S.A., short-term disability, long-term disability, gym discounts, and financial planning guidance from trusted advisors.

· Norton LifeLock: Free employee or family coverage.

· Life and AD&D Coverage: Company-paid $50,000 life insurance coverage/AD&D, with additional voluntary life/AD&D available for you, your spouse, and children.

· Employee Assistance Program: Access to free behavioral health services, including counseling sessions and other resources.

· Growth Opportunities: Ongoing professional development training as well as tuition assistance to help you advance your career.