Engineering & Quality Manager
We’re excited to be partnering with a high-mix, fast moving manufacturer on a key leadership search that will play a pivotal role in the next phase of their operational evolution. This organization has built a strong reputation in its market through product quality, customer focus, and steady growth. As they continue to scale, they’re investing in leadership that can help bring greater structure and process discipline to support long-term success.
This search represents a unique opportunity for an engineering and quality leader who thrives in hands-on environments and enjoys building systems that enable teams to perform at a higher level. The company offers the best of both worlds: the agility and influence of a mid-sized business, paired with the stability, strong performance history, and forward-looking growth strategy of a well-established organization. We’re proud to support them in identifying a leader who will help shape the future of their operations.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Engineering and Quality teams, fostering a collaborative, hands-on culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement
- Establish and strengthen engineering discipline, including document control, standard work, and structured problem-solving processes
- Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve repeatability, efficiency, and product quality
- Oversee testing, validation, and product integrity efforts to ensure consistent performance and compliance with internal standards
- Build and maintain scalable quality management practices, including procedures, inspections, audits, and corrective actions
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, root cause analysis, and data-driven decision making
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, and leadership to improve manufacturability and operational performance
- Manage KPIs related to quality, cost, and delivery; use metrics to guide improvements and communicate results to leadership
- Lead capital equipment and process improvement projects, including justification, implementation, and performance tracking
- Develop team capability through coaching, training, and performance management
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field
- 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, with demonstrated leadership of technical teams
- Proven experience working across both manufacturing engineering and quality functions
- Background in high-mix or complex manufacturing environments (e.g., contract manufacturing, medical, aerospace, food, packaging, or chemical industries)
- Strong experience implementing or improving engineering processes, documentation systems, and quality procedures
- Hands-on knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis methodologies
- Demonstrated ability to lead in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments where building structure from the ground up is required
- Collaborative leadership style with a roll-up-your-sleeves mindset and strong communication skills
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.
