Sr. Manager, Manufactuing Engineering

Position Summary:

Lead the Manufacturing Engineering group and own the technical agenda for SAI's manufacturing operations. Set priorities for all engineering projects, lead the introduction of new equipment and processes, and drive cost reduction, efficiency, and reliability improvements. Partner with the Product Engineering & Innovation groups to ensure new products are designed for manufacturability and launched on time in Schaumburg.

Develop and manage the capital plan and expense budget for manufacturing / packaging engineering, including business cases and ROI justification for new investments. Partner with Maintenance Management to establish preventive and predictive maintenance plans for manufacturing, packaging, and facilities equipment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead development of the site manufacturing technology and automation roadmap in support of the operations strategy.
• Lead team to develop and introduce new manufacturing / packaging technologies to our production facility.
• Lead the team through equipment specification (URS), supplier selection, FAT/SAT, installation, and IQ/OQ/PQ of new equipment.
• Ensure manufacturing systems are designed with high reliability and high efficiency and flexibility.
• Lead the identification and justification of automation, robotics, and vision inspection opportunities to reduce labor cost and improve quality and ergonomics.
• Own planning and execution of all manufacturing / packaging engineering projects, delivering to agreed scope, schedule, and budget.
• Collaborate with manufacturing in the identification and execution of cost reduction activities, such as cycle time reductions, lower cost materials, scrap reduction, etc.
• Partner with Maintenance to eliminate repetitive equipment failures and sources of contamination using structured root-cause analysis.
• Communicate and harmonize with all operations departments, Project Engineering, Innovation and Quality.
• Establish and track engineering KPIs (e.g., OEE, downtime, scrap, project delivery, and capital spend vs. budget) aligned with corporate goals.
• Lead, coach, and develop the engineering team, including hiring, performance management, and succession planning.
• Actively contributes to improving trends in labor efficiency, equipment utilization and quality.
• Provide support to all manufacturing and facility maintenance activities.
• Identify and implement energy, utilities, and sustainability improvements.
• Ensure engineering activities comply with the SAI Quality Management System, including change control, validation, and documentation requirements.
• Ensure new and modified equipment meets EHS and machine safety requirements (e.g., guarding, lockout/tagout, and risk assessment).

Education

• BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering or a related field. MBA preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt (desirable)

Knowledge/Experience

• Strong background managing resources in a continuous manufacturing setting with high speed equipment. Knowledge in high reliability system design and of injection molding, robotics, and packaging equipment. Substantial background in machine maintenance. Familiar with basic PLC logic, controls, and hardware. Has worked with inspection procedures and SPC analysis.
• 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing and automation environment, including at least 5 years leading engineering teams.
• Proven track record delivering capital projects and equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Lean / Six Sigma methodologies.

Skills

• Software Knowledge: AutoCAD, Solid Works, Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Project), ERP and CMMS systems; statistical software (e.g., Minitab) preferred.

Abilities

• Ability to manage complex projects and timelines in a matrix team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and facilitation skills
• Strong problem solving skills
• Must be able to work independently, lead teams, yet also function as a strong team player
• Ability to independently identify risks and escalate when necessary
• Ability to build and lead a high-performing engineering team
• Ability to build business cases and present investment recommendations to senior leadership

What Makes Sunstar Special is:

• A business focused on health and wellness of people around the world
• High Quality Products
• Beautiful state-of-the-art facility
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Corporate Social Responsibility Program and partnership with charitable organization
• Strong value placed on company culture
• Excellent, comprehensive insurance coverage that includes Medical, Vision, and Dental benefits.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• Employee discount on Sunstar products
• 401K retirement plan with employer match (Pretax and Roth options)
• 401K profit sharing contribution based on company performance.
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off. Pet, Legal and Identity Theft Insurance Plans
• Competitive bonus
• On-site café
• On Site Fitness Center
• Corporate Perks Discount Program (Auto, Retail, Electronics, Entertainment, Computers, Personal Vacations, Cell Phones, Movie Tickets, Eating Out and Much More)
• Holiday Lunches
• Beautifully maintained walking trails
• Hybrid Schedule (certain departments)
• Numerous employee appreciation events throughout the year.
• Recognition and Rewards Programs
• Anniversary, Birthday and New Hire Announcements

If you’d enjoy a career helping others attain overall health through oral health, consider joining the Sunstar Americas, Inc. team.

The employer is subject to certain governmental record keeping and reporting requirements for the administration of civil rights laws and regulations. In order to comply with these laws, the employer invites employees to voluntarily self-identify their gender, and race or ethnicity. Completion of this data is voluntary and will not affect your opportunity for employment or terms or conditions of employment. Information collected will be used for EEO-1 reporting purposes only and will be kept separate from all other personnel records, only accessed by Authorized Users. Information collected will be kept confidential and will only be used in accordance with the provisions of applicable laws, including those that require the information to be summarized and reported to the federal government. When reported, data will not identify any specific individual.

The pay range for this position of Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Engineering is $138,00- $170,000. However, base pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge and location. This position is also eligible for an annual bonus as part of total compensation.