Engineering Manager

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial loading dock and door equipment.  Our innovative products and world class sales organization ensure solid, consistent growth, both for our company and our staff.  We are always looking ahead to develop innovative new products and services to improve our customers' safety, security, and productivity.

Rite-Hite provides competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and paid medical leave. We also provide a retirement savings plan that combines 401(K) with company match and profit sharing. Paid holidays, vacation, and up to five paid personal/sick days per year round out the package.

Rite-Hite is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer offering a drug free workplace for our customers and employees.

The Engineering Manager leads and develops engineering teams to drive innovation, optimize processes, and ensure operational excellence. This role serves as a strategic link between technical execution and business objectives, overseeing product development, process improvements, and engineering initiatives aligned with company goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, develop, and retain top engineering talent to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, teamwork, and innovation within the engineering team.
• Provide clear guidance, mentorship, and performance management to engineers, designers, technicians, and other supporting staff. 

Strategic & Operational Planning

• Align engineering initiatives with company strategy and operational needs.
• Provide engineering input for long-term strategic planning and near-term business initiatives.
• Develop and manage annual engineering budgets in coordination with FP&A.
• Identify and advocate for R&D investments to support growth and cost reduction efforts.

Product Development & Process Improvement

• Oversee core, beyond-core, and growth platform new product development in alignment with strategic goals.
• Manage research and development efforts to enhance product performance and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure engineering consistency across product lines and maintain high standards for product design and development.
• Leverage AI-driven tools and technologies to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Project & Technical Management

• Lead engineering projects by assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and holding team members accountable.
• Oversee experimental test programs and analyze results to ensure designs meet functional and performance requirements.
• Support manufacturing engineering and operations in improving processes, quality, and productivity.
• Ensure adherence to the Rite-Hite Stage Gate process for project execution.
• Drive and support consistent and robust policies, procedures, and standards within the Engineering groups to achieve Operational Excellence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Product Management and Operations leadership to develop and integrate a three-year roadmap for products and technology.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to optimize production and implement VA/VE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) initiatives.
• Manage innovation efforts and IP portfolio of associated product line(s) in collaboration with the Intellectual Property and Product Management teams.
• Manage product compliance to associated codes, certifications, and standards.
• Provide timely and detailed updates to leadership on key projects and engineering activities.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, including expertise in structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in product design, CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) tools, and design for manufacturability, reliability and safety.
• Up to 10% travel may be required. (Occasional overnight travel may be required)

SUPERVISORY QUALIFICATIONS

• Reports to the EVP of Engineering and manages multiple direct reports.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field (master’s in engineering management or MBA preferred).
• 8+ years of engineering leadership experience in product development, manufacturing, or process engineering.
• Proven track record in team management, strategic planning, and process improvement.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.

Additional Job Information:

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