Engineering Manager

Job summary

Lead the engineering function and provide direction to a team of three program managers while overseeing automotive programs from planning through production. Partner with operations and senior leadership to drive engineering strategy, resolve technical challenges, and ensure projects meet quality and cost requirements.

Job details

🚨 NOW HIRING | Engineering Manager – Kitchener-Cambridge Area, ON 🚨 Tier 2 Automotive Supplier | Leadership Role | Bonus + RRSP + Profit Sharing Ellos HR Solutions is partnering with a highly established Tier 2 automotive manufacturer in the Kitchener-Cambridge area to recruit an experienced Engineering Manager. Experience with a Tier 2 is a must. Solid experience with Program Management This is one of those opportunities where the company culture and employee retention really stand out. The manufacturing facility has approximately 150 employees, and it's not unusual to meet people who have spent 15, 20, or even more years with the organization. The average tenure is around 20 years. Something you simply don't see very often in manufacturing. They invest heavily in their people, promote professional development, and have built an environment where employees genuinely build long-term careers. What We're Looking For ✅ Strong Engineering Management experience within automotive manufacturing ✅ Automotive industry experience is a MUST, ideally with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier ✅ Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline ✅ Proven experience leading Program Managers, Engineers, or technical teams ✅ Strong understanding of automotive program management, product launches, manufacturing processes, and engineering execution ✅ Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, GD&T, engineering changes, and customer-specific requirements ✅ Experience working cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Tooling, Operations, Sales, and customers ✅ Strong understanding of project timing, capital requirements, tooling, manufacturing feasibility, and continuous improvement ✅ Experience with steel manufacturing, metal forming, or related processes is considered a strong asset ✅ Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities What You'll Be Doing ✔ Lead the Engineering function and provide direction to a team of three Program Managers ✔ Oversee automotive programs from initial planning and development through launch and production ✔ Ensure engineering projects meet customer requirements for quality, timing, cost, and manufacturability ✔ Provide technical and leadership support for APQP, PPAP, product launches, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives ✔ Partner with Operations and other departments to identify manufacturing improvements and resolve technical challenges ✔ Review program performance, project milestones, resource requirements, risks, and priorities with the leadership team ✔ Support customer-facing technical discussions and ensure engineering deliverables remain aligned with automotive requirements ✔ Coach and develop the Program Management team while strengthening accountability and technical capabilities ✔ Work directly with senior leadership on engineering strategy, capital projects, operational improvements, and future growth Why This Opportunity Stands Out 📍 Location: Kitchener-Cambridge Area, Ontario 👥 Team: 3 Direct Reports – Program Managers 🏭 Facility: Approximately 150 Employees 👔 Reporting To: Division Manager 💰 Compensation: Competitive Salary + Bonus 📊 Profit Sharing: Company Profit-Sharing Program 🎄 Additional Incentive: Christmas Bonus 🏦 RRSP: Company provides a 100% match on employee contributions up to 4% 🩺 Benefits: Comprehensive drug, medical, vision, and dental coverage with multiple plan options 🎓 Training & Development: Strong investment in employee development, including support for continuing education and schooling 🥾 PPE: Company-paid and provided 👕 Corporate Wear: 50% company contribution, up to $100 🤝 Culture & Stability: Exceptional employee retention, outstanding working environment, and a workforce where long-term careers are the norm. If you're an experienced Engineering Manager from the automotive, aerospace & defense or military industry looking for a company where you can genuinely build a long-term career, this is an opportunity worth discussing. Send me a direct message or email me at barantes@elloshr.com Bruno Arantes Director | Ellos HR Solutions 🌐 www.elloshr.com #EngineeringManager #EngineeringLeadership #AutomotiveEngineering #AutomotiveManufacturing #Tier2Automotive #ProgramManagement #APQP #PPAP #PFMEA #GDandT #ManufacturingEngineering #SteelManufacturing #MetalForming #EngineeringJobs #ManufacturingJobs #AutomotiveJobs #KitchenerJobs #CambridgeJobs #WaterlooRegion #OntarioJobs #Hiring #NowHiring #LeadershipJobs #CareerOpportunity #EllosHR #WeBreatheManufacturing

What you’ll do

Lead the engineering function and provide direction to a team of three program managers while overseeing automotive programs from planning through production. Partner with operations and senior leadership to drive engineering strategy, resolve technical challenges, and ensure projects meet quality and cost requirements.

Requirements

Requires strong engineering management experience within the automotive industry, specifically with Tier 1 or Tier 2 suppliers. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering and possess deep knowledge of automotive quality standards like APQP, PPAP, and GD&T.

Benefits

• Bonus
• Profit sharing
• Christmas bonus
• RRSP matching
• Comprehensive drug coverage
• Medical coverage
• Vision coverage
• Dental coverage
• Continuing education support
• Company-paid PPE
• Corporate wear allowance

Listed skills

• Continuous Improvement · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Engineering management
• Automotive manufacturing
• Program management
• APQP
• PPAP
• PFMEA
• Control plans
• GD&T
• Product launches
• Manufacturing processes
• Engineering execution
• Leadership
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Continuous improvement
• Steel manufacturing

Job areas

• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Management & Leadership

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