Mechanical Engineer Manager (Contract)

Position Overview:
An automotive company here in the Chicagoland area is seeking a contract Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead their Caliper Product Line within the Engineering Department. This role will oversee and direct the daily activities of a team of three Caliper Technicians, providing technical guidance, project direction, and leadership to ensure the successful design, development, and improvement of their brake caliper products. The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical engineering background, excellent leadership skills, and thrives in an onsite, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, coach, and direct a team of three Caliper Technicians, setting clear goals and priorities.
• Oversee daily operations of the caliper product line, ensuring high-quality work and timely project execution.
• Provide hands-on technical support and mentorship to technicians as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Quality, and Manufacturing, to ensure alignment on design and production goals.

Design & Development:

• Oversee the design, testing, and validation of caliper components and systems.
• Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor) to review, update, or create technical drawings as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement in product performance, quality, and manufacturability.
• Identify and implement design enhancements based on field performance and customer feedback.

Production & Technical Support:

• Partner with manufacturing to ensure product designs are optimized for production and assembly.
• Review and approve production drawings, specifications, and documentation.
• Support problem-solving for production or field issues related to caliper designs.
• Coordinate testing, inspection, and validation of caliper components.

Documentation & Compliance:

• Ensure all engineering documentation and technical data are accurate and up to date.
• Maintain compliance with relevant safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Provide regular project updates, timelines, and performance reports to management.