POSITION SUMMARY
The Mechanical Engineering Manager leads a team of Mechanical Engineers in support of new product development and sustaining engineering initiatives. This role ensures timely delivery of high-quality mechanical designs and documentation while maintaining mechanical readiness for MiTek phase gate reviews, prototype builds, tooling, and manufacturing transitions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Lead, manage, and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers by setting clear expectations, delegating work appropriately, and ensuring accountability for quality, cost, and schedule.
- Own mechanical deliverables and readiness for MiTek phase gate reviews, ensuring designs, documentation, schedules, estimates, and identified risks are complete and review ready.
- Oversee the creation, review, and release of 2D and 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, and related documentation in accordance with company standards.
- Direct mechanical activities related to prototype builds, tooling development, first article inspections (FAIs), and validation testing; ensure results are reviewed and corrective actions implemented as needed.
- Establish, communicate, and enforce mechanical design standards and best practices, supporting consistent, high-quality engineering outcomes.
- Actively coach and mentor team members to develop technical capability, problem-solving skills, and design discipline.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Electrical Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure alignment on technical requirements, cost targets, and schedules.
- Own and support mechanical documentation systems and workflows, including PDM and ERP-related processes, and drive continuous improvement in documentation quality and usability.
- Provide regular communication to leadership regarding project status, risks, mitigation plans, and resource needs.
- Support internal and external audits as they relate to mechanical engineering processes and documentation.
ESSENTIAL TASKS
- Review and approve mechanical designs, drawings, tolerances, and specifications prior to release.
- Ensure appropriate definition and execution of mechanical testing and validation activities and review results against requirements.
- Oversee troubleshooting efforts related to mechanical design, supplier issues, or manufacturing challenges, ensuring root cause analysis and corrective actions are documented.
- Maintain and review mechanical project timelines, milestones, and resource plans.
- Conduct regular Mechanical Engineering team meetings focused on execution, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Support supplier communications related to tooling, prototypes, design revisions, and cost or schedule impacts.
PEOPLE LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build, develop, and retain a high-performing Mechanical Engineering team.
- Execute performance management activities including goal setting, ongoing feedback, coaching, and input into formal performance reviews.
- Identify short- and long-term resourcing needs and support hiring, onboarding, and succession planning activities.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and technical excellence.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or related discipline) required
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in mechanical design and product development
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a people leadership or technical team leadership role
- Experience supporting products through prototype, tooling, and manufacturing release
- Audio product experience preferred
SKILLS & TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks is required, including hands-on experience creating, reviewing, and releasing complex 3D models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings.
- Well-rounded mechanical engineering background across multiple materials, including metals, plastics, rubbers, and fabrics, with an understanding of material behavior and design tradeoffs.
- Experience with a variety of production processes, including:
- Injection and compression moldings
- Metal stampings and formed sheet metal
- Extrusions and related secondary operations
- Strong understanding of tolerancing, material selection, and DFM/DFA principles across multiple manufacturing methods.
- Working knowledge of PDM/PLM systems and ERP integration.
- Familiarity with FAI processes, controlled documentation, and quality systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); MS Project experience a plus.
- Comfortable presenting technical information and engineering tradeoffs in cross-functional and leadership settings.