Lead Engineer – Configuration Manager

Job Description SummaryThe Configuration Manager is responsible for managing a product's configuration throughout its lifecycle to meet program requirements. This role will play a pivotal part in taking an Additive Manufacturing machine from early production through industrialization to full-rate production. During this time, fleet configuration and periodic block upgrades must be organized, prioritized, and managed. As a key member of the program's leadership and systems engineering teams, the configuration manager will lead cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and Services to ensure alignment and consistency in product configuration control. This role requires proactive coordination to address issues, manage risks, and implement changes critical to project success and on-time delivery. The Configuration Manager will champion broad process improvement initiatives that directly enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) metrics, ensuring the product meets the highest standards throughout its lifecycle. They will oversee day-to-day project execution, ensuring deliverables are completed on time and within budget, while driving alignment across teams to achieve program goals and business objectives.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Configuration Control:  Ensure consistency and accuracy of product configuration across Engineering, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and Services throughout the product lifecycle.
• Change Management:  Lead the change management process, including facilitating the Program Control Board (PCB) and Configuration Control Board (CCB) to evaluate, approve, and implement changes effectively.
• PLM and ERP Systems Management:  Utilize Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to maintain configuration control and drive consistency across functions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:  Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align priorities, resources, schedules, and deliverables, ensuring seamless integration of changes and updates.
• Risk and Issue Management:  Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks and issues that could impact product configuration or project timelines.
• Standard Work Development:  Develop, document, and maintain standard work processes to ensure repeatability, efficiency, and compliance with program requirements.
• Process Improvement:  Leverage lean methodologies to identify and implement process improvements that enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) metrics.
• Project Execution:  Oversee day-to-day execution of configuration-related projects, ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.
• Communication, Metrics, and Reporting:  Provide clear guidance and decision-making to ensure alignment and success across all stakeholders.  Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to configuration control and change management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college
• 6 years or more experience in Engineering, Operations, Program Management
• Note: Military experience is equivalent to professional experience

• Eligibility Requirement:

  -Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job.

Desired Characteristics

• Configuration Management: Deep understanding of configuration management principles and change management processes.
• Change Management Process: Proficiency in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems such as Windchill and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like Oracle.
• Project Management Skills: Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and adapt to dynamic business needs.
• Communication Skills:  Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information, resolve issues, and foster collaboration across diverse teams.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven ability to lead and align cross-functional teams, facilitating collaboration between Engineering, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and Services to achieve program goals.
• Lean Principles: Familiarity with lean methodologies including continuous improvement practices.  Proven ability to develop and drive adoption of standard work. 
• Metrics-Driven Mindset:  Strong analytical skills with the ability to track, report, and act on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to configuration control, change management, and SQDC metrics.
• Additive Manufacturing: Knowledge of additive manufacturing equipment and associated processes.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information