Engineering Manager | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $114,000 - $163,000 depending on experience

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

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 are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Kalamazoo that are seeking skilled Engineering Managers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Oversee the design, development, and improvement of manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and supply chain teams to optimize operational efficiency and product quality.
• Manage engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Implement and maintain engineering best practices, standards, and safety protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing capabilities and reduce costs.
• Develop and manage the engineering department budget and resource allocation.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in engineering within a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing engineering projects from conception to completion.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, lean principles, and quality systems (e.g., ISO, Six Sigma).
• Experience with CAD software, PLM systems, and other relevant engineering tools.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop a high-performing team.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies and their application in manufacturing (e.g., IoT, AI, automation).
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of growth and technical excellence.
• Background in a specific manufacturing process relevant to the company's operations (e.g., CNC machining, injection molding, additive manufacturing).
• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum Master).

Job Titles That Should Apply

Engineering Manager, Senior Engineering Manager, Principal Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering, Head of Engineering, Technical Manager, Software Engineering Manager, Lead Software Engineer, Engineering Lead, Manager of Software Engineering

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.