Engineering Manager
Full-time | Permanent
Salaried | $137k - $171k
*We are not currently working with third party agencies on this role.
About Us:
Vander-Bend is a U.S.-based manufacturer dedicated to building the precision infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s AI. Our expertise in server racking and power delivery solutions provides the backbone for next-generation data centers, enabling hyperscalers and integrators to innovate and scale globally. With a focus on trusted, domestic manufacturing, we deliver quality, speed, and innovation at scale—redefining AI infrastructure for the future.
We are a newly created division of Vantedge Medical, the premier metals-based med-tech solutions partner from concept to full-scale manufacturing. With a steadfast commitment to advancing technology, we take immense pride in the work we do – and have a lot of fun doing it.
About this Opportunity:
The Engineering Manager is responsible for owning plant-level engineering execution and equipment reliability at the Stockton facility. This role leads Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, and Maintenance functions to ensure safe, reliable, and scalable operations in a high-mix, high-volume sheet metal fabrication environment.
This is a hands-on leadership role, accountable for uptime, process capability, equipment readiness, and engineering support of daily production and growth initiatives.
Responsibilities:
- Lead plant-level engineering support for sheet metal fabrication and assembly operations
- Support new product introductions (NPI), process transfers, and production scale-up
- Drive process improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC)
- Own standard work, work instructions, process documentation, and change management
- Partner with Production and Quality to resolve manufacturing issues in real time
- Support capital equipment justification, layout planning, and commissioning
- Own equipment uptime, preventive maintenance, and reliability strategy
- Lead maintenance planning, PM compliance, spare parts strategy, and technician development
- Drive reduction in unplanned downtime through root cause analysis and corrective action
- Ensure maintenance readiness for lasers, turret punches, press brakes, panel benders, welding, powder coat, and material handling systems
- Partner with Engineering on equipment upgrades, automation, and capacity expansion
- Manage and develop Engineering and Maintenance teams
- Set clear priorities, roles, and accountability aligned to plant objectives
- Build technical depth and bench strength through coaching and training
- Foster strong collaboration with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS
- Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory requirements (ISO, QMS, internal standards)
- Establish consistent engineering and maintenance operating rhythms, metrics, and reporting
- Support audits, customer visits, and operational reviews as needed
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
- 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering and/or maintenance leadership roles
- Prior leadership experience managing engineering and/or maintenance teams
- Strong experience in sheet metal fabrication and industrial manufacturing environments
- Hands-on exposure to automated fabrication equipment including laser cutting, press brakes, panel benders, welding, and finishing
- Proven experience supporting production operations and equipment reliability
- Experience with Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving
- Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (medical device, aerospace, or similar) is a plus
- Strong communication, prioritization, and execution skills
Knowledge / Skills
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and maintenance systems
- Data-driven problem-solving and root cause analysis capability
- Ability to balance short-term production support with longer-term capability building
- Comfortable spending significant time on the shop floor
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and standard manufacturing systems
- Working knowledge of GD&T and engineering documentation