Mechanical Engineering Manager

Mechanical Engineering ManagerValue Driven Solutions (VDS) is looking for a Mechanical Engineering Manager to join our interim executive bench, with this engagement deploying on-site at our PE-backed manufacturing client in the [Location] region. The Mechanical Engineering Manager will lead a team of mechanical engineers and partner with operations, quality, and supply chain to deliver designs that work in the real world.The ideal candidate will enjoy taking products from concept through volume production and have the ability to dig into a design problem, weigh trade-offs across cost, manufacturability, and reliability, and deliver the best possible engineered solution. The ideal candidate will apply their command of CAD, DFM, and stage-gate NPI and communicate effectively with engineers, suppliers, and operations leaders.Responsibilities:Engineering team leadership Lead a team of mechanical engineers across product, sustaining, and project engineering. Develop engineering standards, design reviews, and stage-gate discipline.NPI execution Own the mechanical engineering deliverables for NPI: design, prototyping, DFMEA, tolerance stack-up, and validation. Drive design-for-manufacturing, design-for-assembly, and design-for-cost discipline.Standards and partnerships Lead capital project mechanical scope including layout, equipment selection, and integration. Manage tooling, fixturing, and gauging design and procurement. Partner with suppliers on component qualification, PPAP, and continuous improvement.Requirements:10+ years of mechanical engineering experience with 3+ years managing engineersStrong CAD command (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or equivalent) and FEA familiarityDocumented NPI track record from concept through volume productionComfort working on the shop floor and leading hands-on troubleshootingBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required; MS a plusPE license preferredExperience in regulated industries (medical device, aerospace, automotive); Lean / Six Sigma certification a plus