Engineering Manager

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Quest (www.questenergygroup.com) is Houston's Leading Industrial and Manufacturing Executive Search and Talent Acquisition Firm.

Engineering Manager

Hands-On | Manufacturing | High-Growth Environment

Overview

We are partnering with a fast-growing, privately held industrial manufacturing company seeking a hands-on Engineering Manager to lead a small but critical engineering team while staying deeply connected to the product and the shop floor.

This is a player–coach role for a leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves—someone who can lead people, set strategy, establish KPIs, and execute, while still doing real engineering work and maintaining daily visibility with manufacturing and operations.

The organization offers a strong leadership team, an exceptional culture, and significant growth runway, making this an ideal opportunity for an engineering leader looking to make a visible, lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small engineering team (approx. 4 engineers) in a high-growth manufacturing environment
• Serve as a hands-on engineering leader, contributing directly to design, analysis, problem-solving, and technical decision-making
• Own and drive engineering strategy, priorities, and execution aligned with business growth
• Establish, track, and improve engineering KPIs tied to quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency
• Partner closely with manufacturing, operations, and leadership to translate plans into executable outcomes
• Be highly visible on the shop floor—reviewing product, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring designs are manufacturable
• Improve and scale engineering processes, workflows, and documentation as the organization grows
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across product design, materials, and manufacturing methods
• Act as a technical and cultural leader who sets the tone for accountability, urgency, and collaboration

Required Experience & Background

• MUST have direct bellows engineering experience
  (Candidates without bellows experience will not be considered)
• Proven experience as an Engineering Manager or Lead Engineer in a manufacturing environment
• Strong background in mechanical engineering and engineered industrial products
• Demonstrated ability to lead people while remaining technically hands-on
• Experience working closely with manufacturing, fabrication, and shop-floor operations
• Track record of building structure, processes, and KPIs in growing organizations
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment with high accountability

Ideal Profile

• A visible leader, not a desk-only manager
• Comfortable making decisions, setting direction, and executing through others
• Practical, detail-oriented, and product-focused
• Strong communicator who earns trust with engineers, operators, and leadership alike
• Motivated by building, improving, and scaling—not maintaining the status quo

Why This Role

• High-impact leadership role in a rapidly growing company
• Opportunity to shape engineering strategy and processes from the inside
• Strong culture, supportive leadership, and real autonomy
• Blend of leadership + hands-on engineering (no ivory tower management)