Manufacturing Engineering Manager

GENTEX AT A GLANCE:

At Gentex Corporation, we’ve created an environment where great ideas and great people can thrive. Leveraging a history that spans over 130 years, Gentex is a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel operating in high performance environments. Join our multinational team of exceptional and dedicated employees around the world and work on challenging and rewarding projects, grow your skills, and advance your career all while making a positive difference in the lives of our customers. Together, you and Gentex can build a career that’s uniquely yours.

ABOUT THE JOB!

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads the team responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining efficient production processes to support the manufacture and test of noise-attenuating headsets, microphones, earplugs, communication systems, and complex integrated electromechanical assemblies in the Situational Awareness Value Stream. This role ensures products are manufactured safely, cost-effectively, and at high quality standards by driving process improvements, implementing new technologies, and supporting production operations. The manager collaborates closely with operations, quality, supply chain, product engineering, and maintenance teams to achieve operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a core ability to develop and lead cross-functional teams while delivering results in a dynamic, fast paced environment. Additionally, the candidate will champion the implementation of automation technologies along with supporting a range of factory continuous improvement initiatives.

Gentex offers a robust benefit package- including, but not limited to, medical coverages, 401k, paid time off and excellent work schedules including a 9/80 work week.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics or related field)
• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• 3–5 years of leadership or management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization.
• Experience with manufacturing systems, production equipment, and automation.
• Proficiency with engineering and data analysis tools (CAD, ERP, MES, statistical software).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in engineering, manufacturing systems or technical management
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, or advanced automation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Expert in process development, assembly fixture design and manufacturing methods for electro-mechanical assemblies; Electro-acoustic preferred
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma (DMAIC), Kaizen, and process capability analysis.
• Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks or equivalent), GD&T, and engineering drawing interpretation.
• Familiar with MRP/ERP systems and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Visio, Project).
• Excellent leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills at all levels and across the organization
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple complex projects and deliver under pressure.
• High analytical ability and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to create, foster, and work in a team-oriented environment
• Demonstrated Root Cause Analysis and Problem-Solving skills
• Strong knowledge of DFM (design for manufacturability), and transition from design to production.
• Direct experience with manual and CNC machining (milling, turning, grinding, cutting, etc)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Team Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers, test engineers and a machinist.
• Set team goals aligned with company production and operational targets.
• Assess staffing needs, conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.
• Allocate engineering resources to support production and improvement projects.

1. Process Development & Optimization

• Design, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes and workflows.
• Lead process validation, capability studies, and equipment qualification.
• Identify and implement improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, standardize and improve product quality.
• Apply lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

1. Production Support

• Provide technical support to production teams to resolve manufacturing and test issues.
• Analyze production data to identify root causes of defects or inefficiencies.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address recurring issues.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and process standards are maintained.

1. New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Prepare manufacturing plans and lead manufacturing readiness assessments for new product launches.
• Actively support NPI gate process including: Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, process development, fixture design and validation of critical processes
• Coordinate pilot builds and production ramp-ups.

1. Equipment & Automation

• Evaluate, select, and implement new manufacturing equipment and automation solutions.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment.
• Work with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and uptime.

1. Quality & Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and company procedures.
• Support audits and continuous improvement of quality systems.
• Partner with quality teams to reduce defects and improve yield.

1. Cost & Efficiency Improvements

• Identify opportunities for cost reduction in materials, labor, and processes.
• Develop and manage department overhead and capital equipment budgets with supporting ROI justifications.
• Drive productivity improvements and operational efficiency initiatives.

TO APPLY:

Visit: https://gentexcorp.com/careers/

LOCATION:

Gentex’s Manchester facility is located in southern New Hampshire. Manchester is the largest convention, sports, entertainment, and arts & cultural destination in New Hampshire. There is so much to do, see and experience in Manchester including major concerts and ECHL Hockey, AA minor league baseball, live performances at the historic Palace Theatre or exhibits at our renowned museums. Located in the heart of New England, Manchester is also conveniently located within an hour’s drive of Boston, an hour from the Atlantic Ocean and less than two hours from New Hampshire’s scenic White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee and the many other well-known vacation destinations in Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts.

Gentex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for any applicable state or federal protected class. Gentex is an E-Verify Participant. Pre-employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required.