Project Engineer Manager

We're Hiring: Project Engineering Manager Kato Cable is growing - and we're looking for a strong engineering leader to help us scale what's next. This isn't a "sit behind a desk and manage spreadsheets" kind of role. We're looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, leading teams, improving processes, and partnering across departments to make things happen. Someone who can balance technical expertise with leadership, accountability, and customer focus. You'll lead our Project Engineering function through:New product launchesManufacturability reviewsPrototype & first buildsProcess improvement & automationCross-functional problem solvingMentoring and developing engineering talent We're a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment supporting complex cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and panel assemblies - and we have exciting growth ahead. What we're looking for:Strong engineering and manufacturing backgroundLeadership mindset with the ability to coach and hold teams accountableLean / continuous improvement experienceAbility to manage multiple projects and prioritiesPassion for solving problems and building better systems At Kato Cable, we believe the best ideas come from collaboration, innovation, and people who genuinely care about the work they do. If you're looking for an opportunity to make a real impact with a growing team - we'd love to connect. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Requirements JOB PURPOSE: The Project Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the Project Engineering function and supporting complex customer programs throughout the product lifecycle including manufacturability review, quoting support, prototype builds, first production builds, and production sustainment. This role provides leadership and development for the engineering team while driving cross-functional execution, scalable engineering systems, process standardization, automation, KPI management, and continuous improvement initiatives including Lean, 5S, value stream mapping, waste reduction, and cost optimization to support safety, quality, delivery, and operational performance. The Project Engineering Manager partners closely with operational teams and customers to support customer requirements, improve manufacturing performance, and deliver high-quality solutions. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESLead, manage, mentor, and develop the Project Engineering team (Project Engineers, technicians, interns); establish clear expectations, priorities, and accountability.Own departmental capacity planning and assignment of resources; track and manage multiple projects to meet customer commitments and internal milestones.Serve as the escalation point for complex technical issues; lead structured problem-solving, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation.Partner with Purchasing, Manufacturing Engineering, Customer Service, Quality, Production, and Management to align priorities, remove barriers, and deliver results.Provide technical customer support and communication; participate in customer meetings to clarify requirements, present solutions, and resolve issues.Ensure robust manufacturability reviews for new and existing programs; identify design/process improvements that reduce cost and improve quality and throughput.Oversee creation and review of engineering deliverables (prints, BOMs, work instructions, routings, receiving logs, shipping instructions) to ensure accuracy and standardization.Establish and maintain drawing/design standards and controlled documentation; ensure compliance with applicable requirements (ISO documentation, UL compliance/audits, IPC standards).Drive continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Lean, value stream mapping, cost reduction); lead cross-functional projects and kaizens from charter through sustainment.Develop, monitor, and report department KPIs; facilitate regular department meetings to review performance, set actions, and self-correct.Champion automation and standard work within engineering processes (tools/templates/workflows) to improve speed, quality, and repeatability.Ensure effective use and integration of ERP and engineering systems; promote data integrity and best practices across the team.Support Manufacturing Engineering as required; ensure smooth handoffs from quoting to launch to production and sustainment. QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or contract manufacturing environment with increasing engineering responsibility.Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), manufacturability review, quoting support, and first production builds.Prior leadership experience in a formal leadership or team lead capacity preferred.Strong understanding of engineering documentation including BOMs, routings, prints, and work instructions.Experience leading cross-functional projects and solving complex technical or operational issues.Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.Strong organizational, communication, and prioritization skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems. REQUIRED COMPUTER SKILLSMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordMicrosoft OutlookERP/MRP systemsCAD software (AutoCAD or equivalent)General computer and internet proficiency DESIRED LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICSStrong engineering expertise and understanding of manufacturing and contract manufacturing operationsAbility to solve large, complex problems and implement effective solutionsAbility to establish expectations and hold teams accountableStrong collaboration and communication skills across departmentsDesire to improve systems, automate processes, and drive operational excellenceAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentStrong analytical and decision-making skillsCustomer-focused mindset with a commitment to responsiveness and executionAbility to mentor, coach, and develop technical talentContinuous improvement mindset with a passion for building scalable processes PREFERRED EXPERIENCEExperience leading a Project Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering team in a high-mix manufacturing environment.Experience with cable assemblies, wire harnesses, control panels, or electromechanical assemblies.CAD experience including AutoCAD or equivalent design software.Experience supporting production ramp-up activities and first-build execution.Familiarity with UL, ISO, IPC, and customer compliance requirements.Experience implementing automation, KPI systems, or workflow/process improvements within engineering operations. ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MEASURESOn-time execution of engineering deliverables and project milestonesEffective prioritization and management of multiple customer programsImprovement in department KPIs related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and costReduction of repeat issues through effective corrective and preventive action implementationImproved standardization, workflow efficiency, and engineering process scalabilitySuccessful support of customer requirements, audits, and production launchesDevelopment and engagement of the engineering teamStrong cross-functional communication and collaboration PHYSICAL DEMANDS Stand - Frequent Walk - Frequent Sit - Frequent Use of Hands or Fingers - Constant Reaching - Rare /Occasional Climb or Balance - Rare /Occasional Crouching or Kneeling - Rare /Occasional Talk or Hear - ConstantWeight Requirements 0 - 10 lbs. - Constant 11 - 25 lbs. - Rare /Occasional 26 - 50 lbs. - Rare /Occasional * Rare to Occasional (R/O) = 0-20 times during a shift or up to 33% of the time * Frequent (F) = 20-100 times during a shift or 33-66% of the time * Constant (C) = Over 100 times during a shift or 66-100% of the timeVision RequirementsClose vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus) WORK ENVIRONMENT This position operates primarily in a professional office environment with regular interaction and collaboration within a manufacturing setting. The role routinely uses standard office equipment and technology and requires periodic presence on the production floor to support operations, projects, troubleshooting, and cross-functional communication. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. OTHER DUTIES Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Salary Description $85k - $95k