Design Engineering Manager
Responsible for leading, developing, and supporting a team of electrical design engineers focused on low and medium-voltage switchgear and power distribution systems. This role ensures that engineering deliverables meet MCM Engineering’s quality, technical, and schedule expectations, while fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and a high-performance team culture. The manager will also act as a primary technical resource for complex projects, escalations, and cross-functional coordination.
- Ensure that the QMS confirms to ISO 9001:2015
- Ensure processes are delivering intended outcomes
- Report to Top Management on the performance of the QMS; on opportunities for improvement; on change requirements; on innovations
- Ensure the promotion of customer focus
- Ensure the integrity of the QMS is maintained
Roles & Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design engineers through coaching, performance management, skills development, and career growth planning.
- Set clear priorities, assign work, and monitor workload distribution to ensure timely completion of engineering deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.
- Review and approve engineering drawings, calculations, technical documents, and project submittals for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
- Provide guidance and direction on technical challenges, design decisions, and interpretation of customer specifications.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture aligned with MCM’s values.
Technical Oversight
- Ensure the team’s designs meet applicable standards (IEC, ANSI, UL, IEEE, NEMA) and internal quality requirements.
- Serve as a technical escalation point for complex designs including one-line diagrams, schematics, control circuits, layout drawings, and equipment specifications.
- Provide engineering expertise on electrical components such as breakers, relays, CTs, PTs, bus systems, and protection devices.
- Drive standardization, best practices, and improvements in engineering tools, templates, and processes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Project Managers, Sales, Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure seamless project execution.
- Support customer meetings, technical reviews, and clarification calls when design expertise or managerial representation is required.
Operational & Process Responsibilities
- Improve engineering workflows, documentation standards, and quality control processes.
- Track engineering performance metrics (accuracy, throughput, rework, on-time performance) and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure adherence to company policies, project requirements, and engineering best practices.
- Manage resource planning, staffing needs, tool/software requirements, and training priorities for the team.
Project Support & Execution
- Oversee engineering participation during submittal, production, testing, and post-shipment phases of projects.
- Review complex customer specifications and contracts to identify requirements, risks, and scope implications.
- Provide guidance for design changes, technical clarifications, and any engineering-related issues arising during manufacturing or after delivery.
Work Environment & Expectations
Required Qualifications
- Works on-site unless otherwise approved by management for major life circumstances.
- Typical work week: 40 hours, with willingness to support up to 10% overtime based on project needs.
- Must be self-directed, organized, and able to lead a team with minimal supervision.
- Travel is minimal and generally not required.
Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Required Qualifications
The successful Design Engineering Manager must:
- Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- Exhibit exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational ability across multiple simultaneous projects.
- Communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels, including customers.
- Read and interpret contracts, specifications, drawings, and technical documents with high proficiency.
- Apply sound engineering judgment to define problems, analyze information, and implement effective solutions.
- Handle pressure well, maintain professionalism, and lead by example in all interactions.
Skills / Knowledge / Traits
- Positive and motivating leadership style
- Strong work ethic and ownership mindset
- Excellent time management and prioritization skills
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to drive team performance and continuous improvement
- Collaborative and approachable team player
Experience & Education
A well-qualified candidate will have:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (preferred) or a related engineering discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in electrical switchgear or power distribution system design.
- 2+ years of experience leading engineering teams, managing people, or serving in a senior/lead engineer capacity.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, and common productivity software (MS Office, etc.).
- Strong understanding of low- and medium-voltage systems (up to 38kV), protection, and control systems.
- Knowledge of relevant electrical standards (IEC, IEEE, UL, NEMA).
- Experience with manufacturing or field service related to switchgear (preferred).