Mechanical Engineering Manager

Join Us as a Mechanical Engineering Manager at Potter Global Technologies

At Potter Global Technologies, we’ve been protecting lives around the world for over 125 years—and we’re just getting started. We’re a global leader in life safety solutions, committed to saving lives through innovative technology and trusted partnerships.

Our vision is for our customers to know us globally as their innovative, easy-to-do-business-with, best-in-class life-safety product partner. And our mission? With a passion for creating safer environments worldwide, our mission is to provide our customers with a team of real people that connect them with reliable expertise in life safety applications.

If you're inspired by purpose, energized by collaboration, and thrive in an environment of feedback, ownership, and experimentation—you’ll feel at home here.

As a Mechanical Engineering Manager, you will lead and develop the Mechanical Engineering team while driving new product development, product improvements, and strategic engineering initiatives for the Fire Suppression business. You will oversee engineering execution, technical quality, resource planning, and project performance, while collaborating with Product Management, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that support business objectives and customer needs. Ready to lead innovation and make an impact? Apply today.

• Lead and develop a team of engineers, CAD resources, and technicians supporting NPD, product sustainment, and VA/VE initiatives.
• Translate business objectives into clear engineering priorities, goals, resource plans, and measurable team outcomes.
• Drive Mechanical Engineering execution of NPD programs from concept through commercialization, ensuring technical deliverables, timelines, risks, and resources are effectively managed.
• Present NPD portfolio performance, project updates, technical risks, resource needs, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Oversee project planning, including scope, schedules, resource allocation, dependencies, technical risks, and action plans.
• Partner with Product Management to convert customer and market requirements into technical requirements and executable development plans.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams to support product development, commercialization, sustainment, and issue resolution.
• Serve as the senior Mechanical Engineering leader for complex technical challenges, product architecture decisions, and design reviews.
• Ensure engineering drawings, models, specifications, technical reports, cost estimates, and related documentation meet established standards.
• Lead product sustainment, VA/VE, alternate material, and engineering change initiatives that enhance product performance, quality, cost efficiency, and supply continuity.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts across engineering processes, tools, standards, and development practices.
• Develop engineering talent through coaching, mentoring, performance management, succession planning, and professional growth opportunities.
• Assess current and future resource needs and recommend staffing, equipment, technology, budget, and investment requirements.
• Establish and monitor key engineering performance metrics while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience That Drives Success

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline; a Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Business Administration, or a related field is a plus.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in Mechanical Engineering, product development, or a related technical field, including proven success leading NPD programs from concept through commercialization.
• 3+ years of engineering leadership or people management experience, with a demonstrated ability to develop teams, manage resources, and drive results.
• Strong project management experience overseeing engineering resources, project schedules, technical risks, and cross-functional project execution.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms, Engineering Change Order (ECO) processes, and engineering documentation standards.
• Experience with engineering analysis and ERP/MRP, PDM, or PLM systems.
• Ability to translate customer, market, and business requirements into technical solutions and executable development plans.
• Experience supporting strategic planning, budgeting, resource planning, and organizational growth initiatives.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, PMP, or similar methodologies and certifications is preferred.
• Experience within the fire suppression, fire protection, life safety, or related technical product industries is preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present recommendations to senior leadership.

Key Strengths & Skills

• Strong technical expertise in mechanical product design, product development, manufacturing processes, and product lifecycle management.
• Ability to align engineering priorities, decisions, and resources with broader business objectives and organizational goals.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and executive communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in complex engineering environments.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and influence cross-functional teams across Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing.
• Passion for driving innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.

• We build strong relationships—with teammates, partners, and customers
• We take pride in knowing every product we build serves the purpose of protecting lives
• We listen actively, coach frequently, and own our results
• We foster innovation, value curiosity, and believe that experimentation is part of growth
• We create a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone belongs
• We take ownership of our work—quality and safety are at the core of what we do

• Employee Ownership Program – You’re not just an employee—you’re an owner. We share success together.
• Competitive health, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Continuous learning and development opportunities
• Financial Wellness programs including complimentary Certified Financial Planner sessions
• Recognition programs that celebrate individual and team wins
• A mission-driven team that supports life-saving outcomes, every day

This is a full-time position, on-site at our Manufacturing Facility located in Hazelwood, MO.

Ready to make a real impact? If you’re driven, curious, and excited to grow with a team that’s changing the world—and where you’re not just an employee but an owner—we want you on board!

Join us, and let’s create safer environments together—making a global difference you’ll be proud to own.