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

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).