Head of Production Engineering (Mechanical)
$145,000–$165,000 year
On-site · Rancho Cordova, California, United States
Job Summary
Head of Production Engineering (Mechanical) leads hands-on design and optimization of manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment in CAD while mentoring engineers, conducting design reviews, and ensuring design quality and manufacturability. This role collaborates with R&D, quality, maintenance, and operations to drive Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen initiatives, and successful NPI transitions from prototype to mass production. Core responsibilities include hands-on design and problem-solving with the team, coaching engineers and technicians in GD&T and DFM/DFA, leading design reviews, managing the production engineering team, developing scalable and cost-effective processes, selecting and implementing new machinery and technologies, driving continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards (ISO 9001, AS9100), maintaining SOPs and process control documentation, and cross-functional coordination to align engineering support with operational needs. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, 8+ years of relevant experience, proficiency in CAD/SolidWorks, expertise in design reviews, and strong leadership and communication capabilities. Compensation ranges from $145,000 to $165,000 per year, with location in Rancho Cordova, CA.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
- 8+ years of progressive production/manufacturing engineering experience
- SolidWorks / CAD proficiency and ability to independently produce production-ready models and drawings
- ability to lead formal design reviews and mentor/train engineers and technicians
- experience hiring, developing, and managing a team of engineers/technicians
- working knowledge of GD&T, DFM/DFA, and engineering drawing standards
- strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, automation, and production systems
- experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement practices
- proficiency with process simulation and data analysis tools
- strong understanding of safety standards, quality systems (ISO 9001, AS9100), and regulatory compliance
- excellent leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills
- strong communication and interpersonal abilities
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