Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Job DescriptionLucas Milhaupt, Inc. ("Lucas" and/or "the Company") is the most diversified, vertically integrated brazing alloy producer in the United States. We melt, process and fabricate alloys, which allows us to offer our customers high quality product with shorter lead times and reduced risk to supply disruptions. With manufacturing facilities in North America, China and France, Lucas Milhaupt is an equal opportunity employer valuing integrity, teamwork, diversity, continuous improvement, urgency and analytical thinking.Steel Partners Diversified Industrial GroupLucas is part of the Steel Partners Holdings L.P. ("Steel Partners") Diversified Industrial Group. Steel Partners is a diversified global holding company that engages in multiple businesses through consolidated subsidiaries, associated companies and other interests. It owns and operates businesses and has significant interests in leading companies in various industries, including diversified industrial products, energy, defense, supply chain management and logistics, banking and youth sports.Steel Business SystemLucas utilizes the Steel Partners Business System (SBS) to maximize its productivity and eliminate waste. Using Lean Manufacturing, Design for Six Sigma, Six Sigma, Strategy Deployment and other operational efficiency initiatives that form the foundation of this program, Lucas is committed to embedding continuous improvement within our organization as a means of achieving profitable growth.Job Title Manufacturing Engineering ManagerLocation Base Cudahy, Wisconsin (Milwaukee)Reports to VP OperationsFLSA/Compensation Full Time/Salaried/WeeklyRole Summary Lucas is focused on maximizing the efficiency, effectiveness, cost, quality and speed of its manufacturing processes. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager (MEM) will lead a team to develop and implement manufacturing technologies, process and equipment strategies that achieve this goal. This key resource will provide leadership for the Manufacturing Engineering group, foster a high level of innovation to fully leverage existing expertise and capital equipment and to develop new, state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies across multiple facilities. The MEM will actively utilize continuous improvement philosophies and techniques (e.g. lean enterprise, six sigma). The position requires a person who is self-motivated, not afraid to role up their sleeves, natural at trouble-shooting collaboratively and capable of prioritizing work and multi-tasking.Leadership: Support Company Culture Promote Safety as number one priority of all employees Ensure business is conducted with integrity, honesty and ethical resolve Foster climate of respect, trust, teamwork and collaboration Support company vision and mission, model values and lead by example Champion environment that demands hard work, celebrates achievement Oversee Manufacturing Engineering Understand "bottom line" concerns that impact Manufacturing goals Translate vision/objectives from strategic thinking into action plans Actively pursue short-term projects while working with the VP of Operations to develop and implement long term Manufacturing Engineering best practices and goals Deliver Targeted Business Results Aggressively manage teams to meet or exceed business goals Implement strong programs that ensure program needs are met Drive use of SBS tools to increase productivity and reduce waste Work cross functionally to maximize efficiency of production teams Maximize use of processes that are repeatable and sustainable Promote Leadership Development Align company goals with the individual goals of those on the team Foster learning environment that encourages employee development Pursue individual growth/development using development plans/coaching Develop succession plans for key positions within Manufacturing Engineering Communicate Powerfully Share company goals/performance to inspire employee action Create high levels of engagement and commitment Convey passion about company and gratitude for employee effort Develop/maintain relationships with key internal and external customers and relevant industry organizationsKey Goals •Ensure Safety program drives goal of zero injuries •Develop and implement Manufacturing Engineering business plan focused on continuous improvement, productivity, maximizing CAPEX, TPM, and innovation •Identify resource needs and execute staffing plan •Utilize strategic thinking and leadership development tools •Work cross functionally to understand business needs •Ensure use of performance management, development plans and continuous feedback to develop team •Achieve exceptional leadership team and solid bench strength. •Drive regular use of GEMBA, Stage Gate and Kaizens, "walk the talk" by participating in kaizens and pushing use of SBS tools •Develop into strategic business partner for VP Operations•Utilize consistent communication and transparency to gain the trust of employees and motivate Manufacturing team to achieve long term growth and financial success •Achieve success from the company and customer's perspectivesSkills Qualifications •Track record of delivering results in Manufacturing Engineering capacity •Success utilizing strategic planning tools including metrics and countermeasures •Demonstrated application of lean principles to achieve operations excellence •Ability to use Manufacturing Engineering strategies, including 3D design, drawings, proof-of-concept, design for Manufacturability, material selection, component sourcing, feasibility analysis and product costing to achieve advancements in process and capability •Successful leadership development with specific examples of mentoring and coaching direct reports •Excellent communication and presentation skills, and strong level of self-awareness •Demonstrated ability to execute plan to goals •Experience creating or maintaining a strong culture promoting safety, respect, and integrity •Experience increasing employee engagement with specific examples of tools utilized. •Excellent PC skills including experience with MS Office SuiteEducation/Experience •Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline preferred •8 to 12 years progressive and related business experience (Manufacturing Engineering preferred) •Experience with brazing and related factors , including metallurgy, preferred •Experience with tool and die design, technology and software preferredPhysical/MentalDemands •Ability to attend GEMBA and travel throughout production environment to oversee program implementation •Work requires problem solving skills and ability to analyze data and make rational decisions •Must be able to communicate with others in a manner that results in clear direction and interaction •Work requires ability to utilize company computer equipment and software programs •Work requires ability to understand engineering software programs utilizied by Manufacturing Engineers •Work requires ability to understand Engineering principles to coach and mentor Engineering team •Work requires ability to travel to company locations/meetings including maintaining credit card to pay expenses (to be reimbursed) and driving rental vehicles/flying •Work may require occasional lifting, carrying, bendingThis job description is not intended to provide an overview of key responsibilities and requirements. Additional duties may be needed and/or assigned to ensure the needs of our internal and external customers are met.RequirementsLucas Milhaupt, Inc. ("Lucas" and/or "the Company") is the most diversified, vertically integrated brazing alloy producer in the United States. We melt, process and fabricate alloys, which allows us to offer our customers high quality product with shorter lead times and reduced risk to supply disruptions. With manufacturing facilities in North America, China and France, Lucas Milhaupt is an equal opportunity employer valuing integrity, teamwork, diversity, continuous improvement, urgency and analytical thinking.Steel Partners Diversified Industrial GroupLucas is part of the Steel Partners Holdings L.P. ("Steel Partners") Diversified Industrial Group. Steel Partners is a diversified global holding company that engages in multiple businesses through consolidated subsidiaries, associated companies and other interests. It owns and operates businesses and has significant interests in leading companies in various industries, including diversified industrial products, energy, defense, supply chain management and logistics, banking and youth sports.Steel Business SystemLucas utilizes the Steel Partners Business System (SBS) to maximize its productivity and eliminate waste. Using Lean Manufacturing, Design for Six Sigma, Six Sigma, Strategy Deployment and other operational efficiency initiatives that form the foundation of this program, Lucas is committed to embedding continuous improvement within our organization as a means of achieving profitable growth.Job Title Manufacturing Engineering ManagerLocation Base Cudahy, Wisconsin (Milwaukee)Reports to VP OperationsFLSA/Compensation Full Time/Salaried/WeeklyRole Summary Lucas is focused on maximizing the efficiency, effectiveness, cost, quality and speed of its manufacturing processes. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager (MEM) will lead a team to develop and implement manufacturing technologies, process and equipment strategies that achieve this goal. This key resource will provide leadership for the Manufacturing Engineering group, foster a high level of innovation to fully leverage existing expertise and capital equipment and to develop new, state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies across multiple facilities. The MEM will actively utilize continuous improvement philosophies and techniques (e.g. lean enterprise, six sigma). The position requires a person who is self-motivated, not afraid to role up their sleeves, natural at trouble-shooting collaboratively and capable of prioritizing work and multi-tasking.Leadership: Support Company Culture Promote Safety as number one priority of all employees Ensure business is conducted with integrity, honesty and ethical resolve Foster climate of respect, trust, teamwork and collaboration Support company vision and mission, model values and lead by example Champion environment that demands hard work, celebrates achievement Oversee Manufacturing Engineering Understand "bottom line" concerns that impact Manufacturing goals Translate vision/objectives from strategic thinking into action plans Actively pursue short-term projects while working with the VP of Operations to develop and implement long term Manufacturing Engineering best practices and goals Deliver Targeted Business Results Aggressively manage teams to meet or exceed business goals Implement strong programs that ensure program needs are met Drive use of SBS tools to increase productivity and reduce waste Work cross functionally to maximize efficiency of production teams Maximize use of processes that are repeatable and sustainable Promote Leadership Development Align company goals with the individual goals of those on the team Foster learning environment that encourages employee development Pursue individual growth/development using development plans/coaching Develop succession plans for key positions within Manufacturing Engineering Communicate Powerfully Share company goals/performance to inspire employee action Create high levels of engagement and commitment Convey passion about company and gratitude for employee effort Develop/maintain relationships with key internal and external customers and relevant industry organizationsKey Goals •Ensure Safety program drives goal of zero injuries •Develop and implement Manufacturing Engineering business plan focused on continuous improvement, productivity, maximizing CAPEX, TPM, and innovation •Identify resource needs and execute staffing plan •Utilize strategic thinking and leadership development tools •Work cross functionally to understand business needs •Ensure use of performance management, development plans and continuous feedback to develop team •Achieve exceptional leadership team and solid bench strength. •Drive regular use of GEMBA, Stage Gate and Kaizens, "walk the talk" by participating in kaizens and pushing use of SBS tools •Develop into strategic business partner for VP Operations•Utilize consistent communication and transparency to gain the trust of employees and motivate Manufacturing team to achieve long term growth and financial success •Achieve success from the company and customer's perspectivesSkills Qualifications •Track record of delivering results in Manufacturing Engineering capacity •Success utilizing strategic planning tools including metrics and countermeasures •Demonstrated application of lean principles to achieve operations excellence •Ability to use Manufacturing Engineering strategies, including 3D design, drawings, proof-of-concept, design for Manufacturability, material selection, component sourcing, feasibility analysis and product costing to achieve advancements in process and capability •Successful leadership development with specific examples of mentoring and coaching direct reports •Excellent communication and presentation skills, and strong level of self-awareness •Demonstrated ability to execute plan to goals •Experience creating or maintaining a strong culture promoting safety, respect, and integrity •Experience increasing employee engagement with specific examples of tools utilized. •Excellent PC skills including experience with MS Office SuiteEducation/Experience •Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline preferred •8 to 12 years progressive and related business experience (Manufacturing Engineering preferred) •Experience with brazing and related factors , including metallurgy, preferred •Experience with tool and die design, technology and software preferredPhysical/MentalDemands •Ability to attend GEMBA and travel throughout production environment to oversee program implementation •Work requires problem solving skills and ability to analyze data and make rational decisions •Must be able to communicate with others in a manner that results in clear direction and interaction •Work requires ability to utilize company computer equipment and software programs •Work requires ability to understand engineering software programs utilizied by Manufacturing Engineers •Work requires ability to understand Engineering principles to coach and mentor Engineering team •Work requires ability to travel to company locations/meetings including maintaining credit card to pay expenses (to be reimbursed) and driving rental vehicles/flying •Work may require occasional lifting, carrying, bendingThis job description is not intended to provide an overview of key responsibilities and requirements. Additional duties may be needed and/or assigned to ensure the needs of our internal and external customers are met.