Manufacturing Technical Manager

Overview
The Manufacturing Technical Manager is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing daily production operations and ensuring the department consistently delivers high-quality products to specification, on time, to meet customer demands and buffer targets. This position drives efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement while providing strong technical leadership and managing production staff. Because of the critical role of production in meeting technical and business objectives, all process changes must be thoroughly reviewed with Engineering and approved by the VP of Engineering and the President prior to implementation. The Manufacturing Technical Manager partners closely with Engineering to support high-performance operations, streamline processes, and enable the successful launch of new products.

Production Operations

• Oversee end-to-end production processes to ensure efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Develop and implement production plans and schedules; allocate personnel, equipment, and materials to meet goals.
• Supervise staff daily, assigning work, coordinating job rotations, and supporting cross-training activities.
• Enforce safety protocols, PPE usage, and compliance with OSHA, Laser Safety, and company policies.
• Monitor production in real time, escalating issues and collaborating with Engineering as needed.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain accurate records of production activities, equipment logs, and quality reports.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of equipment, escalating major concerns to Engineering.
• Monitor inventory levels of subassemblies and finished goods; collaborate with Purchasing to mitigate supplier-related issues.

Continuous Improvement & Technical Leadership

• Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements to reduce downtime, defects, rework, and scrap.
• Optimize cycle times, material flow, and labor productivity.
• Lead root cause analyses and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain and update production documentation, including work instructions, process flows, and control plans.
• Ensure staff are trained on correct methods, procedures, and new process changes.
• Develop and deliver technical training, coaching, and skill development programs.
• Stay current on manufacturing technologies and introduce best practices in automation, tooling, and process design.
• Support equipment selection, design, and maintenance schedules to minimize disruptions.
• Partner with Engineering on design-for-manufacturability and continuous cost reduction initiatives.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Engineering Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering on prototyping, testing, and validation of new products.
• Translate product designs into manufacturable processes and refine for production readiness.
• Support engineering change orders (ECOs), ensuring smooth transition from prototype to volume production.
• Participate in vendor engagement and supplier development for new product launches.
• Provide hands-on technical support during pre-production builds to ensure design intent and manufacturability.

Employee Leadership & Development

• Manage staffing levels, hiring, onboarding, and technical performance management.
• Provide daily supervision, technical coaching, and skills development for production staff.
• Promote a high-performance culture of accountability, proactive problem solving, and teamwork.
• Conduct production staff meetings and cross-functional team updates.
• Provide input to HR on formal employee performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and terminations.

Reporting & Metrics

• Track and report KPIs, including yield, throughput, downtime, scrap, and labor efficiency.
• Analyze data to drive performance improvements and share findings with senior management.
• Prepare and present production updates, proposals, and improvement initiatives in cross-functional and leadership meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, with at least 1 year in a technical leadership or management role (preferred).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, automation, and production scalability.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems, lean manufacturing, quality control methods, and data analysis tools.
• Proven experience in process optimization, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical and business acumen, with the ability to align thinking and activities with company goals.
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective leadership, team development, and coaching capabilities.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strategic thinker with strong attention to operational detail.
• High work ethic and commitment to quality standards.
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to perform under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.

Pay: $69,322.39 - $83,485.03 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person