Engineering Manager
We are partnering with a growing, privately held manufacturing organization seeking an Engineering Manager to lead product development and engineering initiatives within a highly visible division. This role offers the opportunity to oversee new product design, continuous improvement efforts, prototyping, and engineering strategy while mentoring a talented team of engineers. The ideal candidate will bring strong plastics product development experience, a hands-on engineering mindset, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. This is an excellent opportunity for either an experienced engineering leader or a high-potential engineer ready to step into management.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage engineering and product development efforts for new and existing products
- Oversee product design, prototyping, testing, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Manage engineering projects, timelines, and resource allocation
- Mentor and develop engineers, designers, and technical personnel
- Collaborate with leadership, operations, suppliers, and customers to define product requirements
- Drive product optimization related to performance, durability, manufacturability, and cost
- Review and improve part designs across multiple manufacturing processes including blow molding, thermoforming, injection molding, extrusion, and metal stamping
- Support tooling reviews and manufacturing readiness activities
- Monitor product performance and customer feedback to drive engineering improvements
- Ensure products and processes comply with safety and regulatory standards
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field
- 5+ years of product design and engineering experience within manufacturing environments
- Strong background in plastics product design
- Experience with prototyping, product testing, and product lifecycle management
- Knowledge of blow molding, thermoforming, injection molding, extrusion, or related processes
- Hands-on engineering mindset with strong problem-solving abilities
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Experience within durable goods, consumer products, industrial products, or complex assemblies
Submit Your Resume
ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
Practice Areas
Our practice areas are led by highly experienced executive recruiters who take great care in fully understanding client requirements and candidate qualifications.
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology
• Operations
• Engineering
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Construction
• Supply Chain
• Consumer Package Goods (CPG)
Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
