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Location: Kansas City, MO | Schedule: Full-time, on-site

Overview

An established manufacturer with over 40 years of experience supplying molded plastic components to the automotive industry is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager. This role leads the engineering team responsible for designing, developing, and continuously improving high-volume injection molding processes, ensuring molded automotive components meet OEM and industry standards while supporting IATF 16949 compliance and lean manufacturing principles.

What you'll do

• Lead and manage daily activities of the engineering department, including manufacturing, process, and engineering functions.
• Evaluate current processes and conduct GAP analysis against global standards to ensure molded parts meet automotive quality, durability, and dimensional requirements.
• Manage project launches, tooling and equipment installations, and process validations.
• Drive process improvements, automation, and cost reduction using lean tools such as Kaizen, 5S, and VSM.
• Oversee new product launches, tooling, equipment installations, and process validation.
• Collaborate with the team to identify process improvements and cost reduction opportunities, including scrap and material usage.
• Oversee a team of Process Technicians, Engineers, and the Tooling team across multiple shifts.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful implementation of engineering initiatives.
• Own tooling design, documentation, and assessments.
• Train teams and implement product and process improvements.
• Communicate standards and troubleshoot issues for new and existing improvements.
• Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer delivery timelines and volume targets.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and supply chain teams to resolve process issues.
• Monitor and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs) such as scrap rate, cycle time, OEE, and downtime.
• Drive a safety-first culture and enforce compliance with company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Support APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and control plan development.
• Maintain plant compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, OSHA, and customer-specific requirements.
• Develop and mentor Engineering, Tooling, and Assistant Molding Manager staff for skill enhancement and succession planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

• 7+ years of engineering experience in automotive manufacturing, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Minimum of ten years' experience in process engineering, tooling, equipment, and process improvement.
• Working knowledge of customer functional performance requirements.
• In-depth understanding and application of concepts, theories, and principles within the engineering discipline.
• Proven record managing cross-functional teams and engineering projects.
• Experience with automated systems and plastic materials.
• Strong technical project management, manufacturing engineering, statistical process control capability, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent technical and mechanical aptitude.
• Strong understanding of MRP, quality control, purchasing, and accounting.
• Willing and able to travel as necessary.
• Proficient in CAD software, project management tools, and MS Office.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, talk, or hear; ability to lift 5-25 pounds.

Preferred qualifications

• Plastic injection molding experience (part design and processing) preferred.
• Lean manufacturing experience a plus, including 8D, 5 Why, and Six Sigma problem-solving skills.

Compensation and benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401k with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Job promotional opportunities
• Climate-controlled work environment

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to lead engineering initiatives for a long-standing automotive plastics manufacturer, with clear paths for promotion and a comprehensive benefits package.