Manager/Engineering & Technical Services
Basic Purpose
This position provides leadership to the plant engineering and technical services groups. Ensures that all engineering personnel provide a high level of support to manufacturing and other plant and corporate functions. Supports attainment of production goals so that the plant is successful in meeting its business and performance objectives. The Engineering & Technical Services Manager will translate the plant operational plan into a strategy to support CAPEX, new product development, new manufacturing technologies, and provide technical support to the Erie operations. Also supports continuous improvement, the development of a lean manufacturing strategy, the design and implementation of technical training programs and compliance with environmental, quality and safety initiatives.
Principal Accountabilities
1. As a member of the Plant’s leadership team, participate in the development and execution of
strategies and initiatives that enable the facility to meet or exceed its business objectives.
2. Develop a manufacturing environment to provide a safe and environmentally responsible production processes.
3. Direct the activities to design, develop, test and qualify new products from a production viewpoint.
4. Assist Corporate Engineering in the development of new product technologies and engineering design techniques.
5. Initiate, develop and implement value-added projects to reduce costs and enhance productivity for the Erie Plant.
6. Assess on an ongoing basis existing manufacturing processes, practices, equipment and automation
to ensure continuous improvement of key metrics.
7. Direct the activities to develop new forward process engineering technologies in the Erie Plant.
8. Develop, structure, staff and manage a function that can meet or exceed organizational needs and
requirements in a value-added manner; ensure the competence, contribution and development of all subordinates.
9. Establish the plant’s CAPEX project list annually and coordinate appropriation request processing.
10. Preparation of a tactical plan that leads to action plans focused on key metrics and supported by the Strategic Business Plan.
11. Produce measurable improvement relative to budget in reducing costs, cycle times, and waste
while improving total quality performance on a daily and monthly basis.
12. Cultivate and maintain a productive working relationship with the plant’s Facilities
Maintenance function to ensure a collaborative and supportive working relationship exists.
13. Develop close working relationships with Corporate Design Engineering and Plant Operations to
ensure effective commercialization of new products.
14. Enhance the manufacturing process through integrating machinery and equipment such as robots,
automated material handling, CNC machinery, and programmable controllers.
15. Ensure compliance with safety rules and regulations in the design and implementation of improvement projects.
Required Skills, Education, and Experience
• Undergraduate degree in Engineering (ME or MET preferred); a metallurgical background is a definite plus.
• Master’s degree in advanced manufacturing or business administration desirable.
• 10 years of comprehensive leadership experience in manufacturing operations (preferably
automotive related), with prior CNC machining, forging and/or roll forming experience necessary;
previous experience in a unionized environment is necessary.
• Extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts, principles and philosophies; prior
experience supporting ISO/IATF Quality Systems.
• Excellent understanding of the capital expenditures (CAPEX) and expense budgeting processes.
• Working knowledge of strategic & operational planning and project management in a lead role.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including the development of a team-oriented culture.
• Proven success in supervising engineering teams and technical support personnel.
• Working knowledge of PLC controls, robotics and automation systems.
• Thorough understanding of environmental and safety compliance requirements.
• Proficient with PCs and Microsoft applications and various engineering software.
• Effective communication well with all levels of management, corporate staff, bargaining unit
employees, union officials is necessary.
