Manager of Engineering - Process & Quality

Description

At UMC, we don’t just make products - we innovate, solve problems, and build a better future. As a proud, privately owned second-generation manufacturer, we’ve earned our reputation as leaders in our industry by producing highly complex parts with precision and ingenuity. What sets us apart? Our people. We’re a passionate team that values collaboration, continuous learning, and going above and beyond. If this sounds like your kind of workplace, keep reading!

Why UMC?

• Generous PTO: Start with 4 weeks of paid time off per year, with accrual from day one.
• Competitive Pay: Attractive base salary for day shift roles, with opportunities for growth.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and paid holidays.
• 401k Match: Dollar-for-dollar matching up to 5%.
• Professional Growth: Tuition reimbursement for professional development.
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, onsite in Monticello, MN.

About the Role

The Manager of Engineering - Process & Quality leads and supervises dedicated groups of Manufacturing and Quality Engineers aligned to specific product segments. In this role, the manager is accountable for both process and quality outcomes within their specific product segment(s), enabling faster, better-informed decisions, and a tightly integrated approach to delivering high-quality products to our customers.

The Manager of Engineering - Process & Quality is a hands-on, operationally involved leader, actively managing team workload, driving quarterly improvement projects, partnering closely with other leadership across the business, and owning coaching, performance management, and hiring support for their team(s).

What You'll Do

The primary duties and responsibilities of the Manager of Engineering - Process & Quality consist of, but are not limited to:

Lead, Manage, and Hold Accountable

• Work “on” the business by providing clear direction, creating space for employees to contribute, taking time to think strategically about the segment, and partnering with others to drive continuous improvement.
• Work “in” the business by engaging with employees daily, setting clear expectations, providing cross-functional communications, and ensuring things get done day-to-day.
• Create a work environment where people are fully engaged and highly accountable, across both the manufacturing and quality engineering disciplines.

Segment Strategy & Structural Improvement

• Own quarterly improvement projects, defined collaboratively with the Director of Engineering & Quality and other leadership based on business priorities. Personally contribute to the project's execution while engaging team members and subject matter experts as needed.

Daily Department Management

• Actively monitor workload and schedule status across all direct reports using ERP/dispatch tools, proactively planning ahead to keep work flowing smoothly and on schedule.
• Run recurring team meetings with segment groups to review issues, monitor department metrics and KPIs, share business updates, and build collaboration and relationships across the team.
• Ensure compliance with all standards, rules, regulations, specifications, and laws related to areas of responsibility.
• Lead Engineering teams through quoting process.

Manufacturing & Quality Decision Authority

• Coach and support the team in reaching sound, timely, and safe process and quality decisions, providing guidance and helping remove roadblocks.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Supply Chain, Production, and other departments to ensure efficient, compliant, and profitable outcomes.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement within the team by ensuring Manufacturing and Quality Engineers have the time and support needed to pursue proactive CI work, not just reactive troubleshooting.
• Participate actively in standardization of processes, cost reduction, and continuous improvement in collaboration with other functional teams.
• Keep abreast of new trends, innovations, and opportunities in the manufacturing and quality engineering industry.

People Leadership

• Own coaching conversations and performance evaluations for all direct reports.

General

• Exhibit a working knowledge of health and safety; support and uphold UMC's culture of safety within the team. Identify opportunities for improvement and take action if appropriate before a problem occurs.
• Partner with UMC's Audit and Compliance team on internal and customer quality audits (e.g., AS9100, ISO 13485) as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or an applicable technical field (Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred), or equivalent work experience in place of education.
• 7+ years' experience in Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, or Quality Engineering, preferably in Precision Machining within the Medical, Aerospace, Space, or Defense industries.
• 3+ years' experience managing engineers, technical resources, and/or projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across both manufacturing process and quality disciplines is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience working in ERP systems.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements including ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100, RoHS, REACH, and ITAR.
• AQS and/or CQE certification a plus, but not required.

Travel Required

• Ability to travel, including air travel, occasionally overnight.

Competencies

• Strong technical curiosity and the ability to ask effective, probing questions to support, coach, and evaluate both manufacturing and quality engineering disciplines.
• Ability to express ideas, share information, listen actively, and demonstrate professionalism in written and verbal communications.
• Strong problem-solving skills related to materials, process technologies, and quality/compliance requirements.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Sound, independent, and confident decision-making, including calculated risk-taking.
• Excellent people management skills, including coaching, performance management, and hiring support.
• Ability to understand, quickly react to, and motivate others to adapt to a changing organizational environment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate appropriately, including distributing ownership of improvement projects across a team.
• Embodies the personal commitment to the shared core values of UMC: Great People, Going Beyond, and Growing.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Lifting up to 15 lbs.
• Dexterity with computers having the ability to type and use a mouse.
• Must be able to meet customer demand requirements for performing visual inspection and/or other product acceptance activities with or without accommodation.
• Ability to pass an annual vision test, if applicable to segment customer requirements.

Culture Fit

• You’re a team player who thrives on collaboration.
• You bring a growth mindset and embrace challenges with grit.
• You care deeply about delivering excellence and going beyond expectations.