Senior Manager Design Engineering (Hybrid / Decatur, GA)

Job Summary

If you are looking for a developmental role to build your leadership and continuous improvement skills and are passionate about new products and leading people, then this career opportunity will excite you. The Manager of Design Engineering for VAVE will directly manage a team that is responsible for product development from concept through production of cost reduction, new product, and technology introduction projects, as well as sustaining and resolution of field problems. Leads electro-mechanical product design and/or redesign, part assembly and detailed part drawings. Leads prototyping, testing, and assembly of samples. Leads various Product Design/development projects and teams. Must be able to collaborate with and influence all cross functional members of the design team. Must be able to present and communicate project status updates to senior management. Conducts daily management meetings with the cross-functional team.

It is essential this leader recognize the importance of developing personnel and show the willingness to take the necessary actions to support that development while balancing the needs of the overall organization. The Manager of Design Engineering for VAVE should be culturally aligned with business needs and company direction, a strategic thinker, and able to effectively develop and execute strategy within the VAVE team. This person must possess strong leadership and management skills, exhibiting our Company Values in how their work is completed.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Teaches/Leads various aspects of the design process including, but not limited to, the development of part geometry, assembly design and drawing generation. Design work varies from new product development to product enhancements and cost reduction activities. Develops, distributes, and/or approves engineering data in the form of Engineering Change Notices, bills of material and parts tracking. Manage collaboration with vendor partners. (25%)
• Manages relationships with internal manufacturing facilities and external vendors to resolve part or assembly issues, deviation requests and bill of material errors, and schedule and conduct pilot/pre-production runs, first article inspections, tool run-offs and plan for production release. (15%)

• Assists with human resource allocation and budget planning in accordance with road map provided by product management. Conduct annual performance reviews, recommend compensation planning, and development of team members. Lead team meetings using the product delivery system (stage gate product development) for each major product. (20%)
• Champions and schedules concept development by initiating and developing concepts for new products from Project Charters, and Specification Matrix provided by the Product Manager and other avenues such as reviewing competitor's samples and documentation, and free design techniques. Ensures concepts must be agreeable with standard manufacturing methods utilized in the appropriate manufacturing facility. (15%)
• Continuously looks for and directs the implementation of process improvements related to productivity, quality, purchasing and manufacturing; to include sourcing new or alternate processes, equipment, and/or training of manpower. Looks for advancements or changes in technology via tradeshows, technology councils, vendors, or other methods. (10%)
• Teaches/Supports ABS/Lean Transformation by leading Kaizen teams and ensuring team completes post-Kaizen activity. Monitors the effectiveness of Kaizen-related changes. (10%)
• Ensures the team is submitting proper test requests and working effectively with the testing group on all follow-up activity. Ensures the team is submitting proper prototyping requests and working effectively with the model shop for the production of prototypes and assembly of samples. Ensures functional specifications, project charters, and competitors’ samples are being properly reviewed. (5%)

Skills

• Proficiency in Engineering Process, Tools and System Knowledge including but not limited to Tooling and Manufacturing Process (casting, injection molding, stamping, progressive tooling, etc.), Finishing Process (powder coating, electro-plating, anodizing, and vacuum metallization, etc.), and Design for Manufacturing.
• Teach and Drive Engineering Discipline and Expertise. Understands the impact and importance of details and data accuracy to deliver high quality product without sacrificing deadlines.
• Working knowledge of applicable Regulatory and Non-Regulatory Codes & Standards such as UL, DLC, and/or DLC standards and testing processes.
• Ability to communicate verbally, in written and through sketches, and engineering drawings. Works well in cross functional team environments.
• The ability to challenge current ways of thinking, and to seek alternative ways to view or define problems and ability to put one’s innovative ideas into practice effectively across the matrix.
• Exhibits understanding of natural sources of conflict and acts to prevent of soften them. When conflicts arise, effectively works them through to optimum outcome.
• The ability to clearly evaluate the facts of situation, apply logic, rationality, and objectivity in decision making. Teach LEAN methodology and practices such as standard work, time study, cause & effect, 5 Why analysis and other tools of DMAIC.
• The ability to communicate and translate a business strategy to action plans and addresses misses effectively using root cause/countermeasures. Communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of common purpose. Holds team accountable to milestones and rallies support behind the organizational vision.
• Strategic mindset, strong business acumen, and experience in achieving business results and process improvements.
• Must be able to present and communicate project status updates to executive leadership.

Education (minimum education required)

• Bachelor of Engineering

Preferred Education

• Mechanical Engineering or relevant discipline

Experience (minimum experience required)

• 6 to 8 years of applicable experience required

Preferred Experience

• 2+ years’ experience in leading engineering teams in product development
• Commercial lighting experience preferred

Physical Requirements

• Light work

Travel Requirements

• up to 20%