Engineering Manager

Engineering ManagerLocation: Exeter, RI | Hybrid OptionEmployment Type: Full-Time, Direct HirePay: $145k-$160kPosition OverviewM Force Partners is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead a Vehicle Solutions Engineering team responsible for developing highly technical products from initial concept through production. This position combines hands-on product development expertise, engineering leadership, global manufacturing collaboration, and responsibility for the successful execution of complex design engineering projects.The ideal candidate brings 10-15 years of progressive design engineering and product development experience with an extensive career personally designing and developing physical products. Experience with automotive accessories is highly valuable, but candidates with strong backgrounds in electromechanical products, electronics, medical equipment, consumer products, or other technically complex manufactured products may also be a strong fit.This role requires more than engineering team management. The Engineering Manager must have the technical depth to lead design decisions, understand manufacturing at a detailed level, communicate effectively with global engineering and manufacturing teams, and confidently present technical information to senior executives and other key stakeholders.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, mentor, and provide technical direction to the Vehicle Solutions Engineering teamManage complex product development programs from proof of concept through design, validation, manufacturing, and production releaseRemain actively involved in technical design decisions, engineering problem-solving, and product development activitiesDevelop engineering project plans, schedules, resource requirements, and non-recurring engineering estimatesEnsure engineering projects meet technical requirements, quality expectations, schedules, budgets, and business objectivesCollaborate with U.S. and international Engineering, Product Management, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and business leadership teamsServe as a key engineering liaison between U.S. operations and global engineering organizationsWork closely with global manufacturing teams and suppliers to ensure designs can be manufactured efficiently and consistentlyApply global manufacturing and factory best practices to product development and production activitiesSupport manufacturing relationships and engineering activities involving international operations, including facilities and partners in China, Korea, Australia, and other global marketsLead concept development and detailed mechanical design activities using SolidWorks 3D CADReview and approve engineering drawings, specifications, design documentation, and technical deliverablesLead engineering design reviews and provide technical guidance throughout the product development lifecycleDrive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles throughout product developmentLead and support DFMEA activities in collaboration with Quality EngineeringOversee prototype development, engineering testing, product validation, and production readinessInvestigate field failures, identify root causes, and develop corrective engineering solutionsManage engineering changes, design revisions, product documentation, and Engineering Change processesSupport patent documentation and intellectual property initiatives when applicableConduct technology research, supplier evaluations, and market analysis to support new product developmentMaintain engineering documentation standards and support SolidWorks PDM administrationEstablish and reinforce engineering best practices and standardized product development processesPresent engineering plans, product concepts, technical recommendations, project status, and development results to senior leadership and other key stakeholdersCommunicate technical concepts clearly and confidently in formal presentations and executive-level discussionsTechnical Design & Product DevelopmentThe Engineering Manager should bring extensive personal experience designing and developing manufactured products and be capable of providing technical leadership across areas such as:Mechanical and electromechanical product designVehicle electrical systems and accessoriesElectrical harness and wiring integrationSheet metal components and assembliesCNC machined componentsPlastic injection molded componentsThermoformed productsAluminum die cast componentsAluminum extrusionsMechanical assembliesLighting and electronic productsPrototype development and product validationDesign for Manufacturability and Design for AssemblyRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related engineering discipline10-15 years of progressive engineering experience involving product development, mechanical design, electromechanical design, or automotive engineeringExtensive hands-on experience personally designing and developing products from concept through productionPrevious engineering leadership, technical leadership, or engineering management experienceAdvanced proficiency with SolidWorks 3D CADStrong understanding of mechanical design principles and manufacturing processesDemonstrated experience taking new products through concept development, prototyping, validation, and production releaseStrong knowledge of Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principlesExperience working directly with manufacturing teams, suppliers, and production facilitiesStrong understanding of manufacturing processes, factory operations, production considerations, and product qualityExperience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects and cross-functional development teamsAbility to evaluate technical designs and provide meaningful engineering direction to experienced engineersStrong project management, organizational, and decision-making skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong public speaking and presentation abilities with the confidence to present technical information to senior executives and other high-level stakeholdersAbility to collaborate effectively across different countries, cultures, and time zonesPreferred QualificationsProduct development experience within automotive accessories, automotive electrical systems, vehicle products, or related marketsExperience designing highly technical consumer or industrial productsElectromechanical product development experienceElectronics or electrical product development experienceMedical equipment or medical device product development experienceExperience developing lighting systems, wiring harnesses, portable power products, or vehicle accessoriesExperience with SolidWorks PDMGlobal engineering and manufacturing experienceExperience working directly with manufacturing operations or suppliers in China, Korea, or other international manufacturing marketsExperience supporting globally distributed engineering teamsKnowledge of Design for Environment (DFE)Experience with patent or intellectual property documentationExperience working within a publicly traded or similarly structured global organizationSchedule RequirementsThis position supports engineering teams in both the United States and Australia. Candidates must be able and willing to regularly work 5:00 PM-8:00 PM Eastern Time to collaborate with the Australian team.Morning and afternoon working hours can be flexed to accommodate this evening requirement while maintaining effective collaboration with both U.S. and international teams.Job presented by M Force PartnersM Force Partners is a specialized recruitment partner connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations. With a deep understanding of engineering/technical, medical, professional and executive disciplines and industry demands, we deliver tailored recruitment solutions, including direct hire and contract placements, to ensure the right fit for both candidates and clients.If this role isn't the right fit for you, we encourage you to explore our other opportunities at mforcepartners.com.Do you know someone who may be a great match? Feel free to share this opportunity within your network.Equal Opportunity EmployerM Force Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.