SR Engineering Maintenance Manager

Senior Engineering / Maintenance Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineering / Maintenance Manager to lead and develop a multidisciplinary team that includes Process, Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, Facilities Personnel, and Continuous Improvement (CI) professionals. This role is responsible for overseeing engineering and maintenance operations, driving equipment reliability and continuous improvement initiatives, managing capital projects, and supporting the long-term performance, safety, and efficiency of manufacturing operations.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise, people leadership, and project management experience to ensure equipment, facilities, and processes meet operational goals while supporting future growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion a safe working environment by ensuring compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Lead and develop engineering, maintenance, facilities, and continuous improvement teams to achieve operational and business objectives.
• Partner with Process Engineering and Maintenance teams to install, test, validate, and release equipment following modifications or upgrades.
• Drive improvements in equipment safety, quality, reliability, and operational performance.
• Lead root cause analysis efforts to identify and eliminate recurring equipment failures and improve asset reliability.
• Develop and execute detailed plans for equipment modifications, installations, and modernization projects.
• Establish long-term (3-5 year) strategies for staffing, training, equipment, and facility requirements.
• Develop, justify, and manage capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets based on business and operational needs.
• Lead large-scale equipment upgrade and replacement projects, communicating effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs), monitor performance, and implement corrective actions to achieve business goals.
• Review engineering work to ensure technical accuracy, sustainability, and compliance with standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to improve plant processes, productivity, and workflow efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven decision-making and Lean methodologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience, including at least 5 years in an Engineering Manager or similar leadership role.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering and maintenance teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading equipment reliability, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing capital projects, budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification and/or Lean Manufacturing certification.
• Experience within the fiber optic manufacturing industry.
• SAP experience.
• Proven success using operational and performance data to drive continuous improvement.
• Experience managing large-scale equipment modernization or facility improvement projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of machine controls and automation methodologies.
• Knowledge of machine design, layout, and engineering tools.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to technical excellence.
• Strong mathematical and engineering analysis capabilities.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Budget development, management, and cost-control experience.
• Team leadership and talent development skills.
• Project management expertise with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

General Expectations

• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling proprietary or sensitive information.
• Adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and standards.
• Conduct business in accordance with company values and standards of conduct.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.