Sr. Engineering Manager Job in Calabasas 91302, California US
We are seeking a Sr. Engineering Manager to join our growing Quality Assurance Department in our Southern California Office.
HFT is looking for a Sr. Engineering Manager who will help completely reinvigorate our global quality operation. QA is in the midst of moving from a quality gate keeping function to a proactive part of the Global Sourcing activity by helping to drive new product, sourcing changes and other related opportunities. The Sr. Engineering Manager should combine deep experience with a willingness to challenge the status quo and help build a Best Practices QA group. He/she should have exceptional communication and leadership abilities and will help plan, coordinate and manage the daily QA lab operations and implement long term strategic initiatives to ensure optimum quality, safety and product reliability while improving efficiencies and reducing lead times to market. The ultimate goal of this position is both hands-on and strategic to help build a world class lab operation with focus on product development and qualification testing while reducing return rates in order to provide superior value to our customers. Compensation will be tied to achievement with substantial performance upside for the right candidate who can help drive the objectives of the company.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage product and factory qualification testing across many tool and equipment related product categories that will sustain the long term business growth of the company by providing high value and reliable products to our customers.
- Prioritize and manage department activities and workload to meet the strategic goals of the company.
- Conduct standard tests to resolve customer concerns/problems and prepare technical reports with results that can be clearly understood at all levels of the organization including the global supply base.
- Compile and analyze test results, formulate conclusions and make appropriate recommendations to appropriate Category Teams, Global Sourcing Buyers and Senior managers of the company.
- Implement nimble processes and systems to improve efficiencies in the testing process and personnel in order to increase the speed to market while lowering return rates.
- Help plan and implement different departmental strategic initiatives (e.g. return cost reduction projects, product improvement strategies, competitive benchmarking) by identifying and working with key department heads and clearly communicating timelines to all levels within the organization.
- Integrate the QA function into other key areas of the organization, such as the new item introduction process, by identifying and implementing effective communication processes and feedback channels.
- Standardize testing methods by communicating effectively with the overseas QA Team and suppliers.
- Responsible for the development and maintenance of QA policies, equipment and procedures (including product safety and regulatory certifications) to ensure all aspects are up to date.
- Development of testing protocol and Best Practices to improve testing efficiency and effectiveness.
- Oversee and in some instances carry out more complex assignments for higher-level product engineers as part of the analytical review process for new designs, materials, components, packaging, features, etc. in accordance with applicable standards and/or commonly practiced engineering methodologies.
- Provide technical assistance and training in modern quality/engineering techniques and processes to cross functional departments, suppliers and factory personnel.
- Review customer complaints and monitor returns to determine where emphasis should be placed to prevent recurrence and identify emerging trends. Modify priorities and deficient aspects of the process as appropriate.
- Implement strategic initiatives to attain and maintain customer satisfaction and focus.
- Oversee the work of professional engineers and lower level technical support personnel, and provide leadership across the department by setting a high quality of work standards and targeted performance metrics.
- Insure timeliness, clarity and accuracy of all technical documentation and correspondence.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Ideal candidate must be a self starter, results driven and proven leadership ability with a demonstrated track record of top level performance in a professional engineering lab setting.
- Extensive experience leading and managing a technical department which includes salaried and hourly employees with varying technical degrees and aptitudes.
- Proficient in mechanical and electrical engineering principles.
- Hands on practical experience with related HFT product offerings is a plus.
- Comprehensive knowledge and experience managing or working in QA test lab environments with strong product development experience.
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people both inside and outside the company.
- Sense of urgency, collaborative team style, and ability to quickly adapt to changes in priorities with strong decision making skills.
- High level communication skills necessary for technical report writing, and strong follow-up skills.
- Strong ability to multi-task and delegate tasks for timely project completions.
- Must be hands-on and have a strong whatever it takes attitude to get the job done.
- BSME or BSEE from accredited university, advanced degree is a plus.
- Minimum of 2 years managerial experience in a Quality or Engineering Lab.
- Experience managing quality to UL, CSA, ANSI and other regulatory standards.
- Extensive knowledge working with SE Asia supply base and manufacturing methods.
- Advanced computer skills in project management, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
- Experience with Modern Quality Systems and Tools is desired (ISO, TS16949, Six Sigma, SPC, etc.)
- This position comes with enormous career development potential, full benefits, relocation assistance and an aggressive bonus structure.
Physical Requirements:
General office environment, ability to sit for long periods of time. Ability to move about an office.
Safety:
The incumbent must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.
Supervisory Responsibility
Direct: Exempt Employees
Indirect: Non-Exempt Employees
Benefits Include:
- 401k
- Full Medical Package including, health and dental
- Paid Time Off
- Competitive Salary
- Casual Work Environment