Engineering Manager | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $110,000 - $159,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for leading engineering teams and driving technical excellence? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Portage, seeking experienced Engineering Managers to strengthen their teams.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Portage region seeking Engineering Managers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of manufacturing engineers.
• Oversee the design, development, and improvement of manufacturing processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production efficiency and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful new product introductions.
• Manage engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Implement and maintain best practices for manufacturing engineering, including lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Recommended Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and mentoring engineering teams to achieve project goals and improve operational efficiency.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, lean principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to drive product development from concept to production, including design, prototyping, testing, and scaling.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial) or a related technical field.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior engineers.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Strong understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts and their application in manufacturing.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Engineering Team Lead, Senior Engineering Manager, Head of Engineering, Director of Engineering, Software Engineering Manager, Technical Program Manager, Agile Coach, Scrum Master, Lead Software Engineer, Principal Engineer

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.