Engineering Manager, Manufacturing Operations
Simpson Strong-Tie · Columbus, OH
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $93k–$159k
- Travel
- 20%
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 7+ years
- Industry
- Metals
- Posted
- 10 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Simpson Strong-Tie (metals) in Columbus, OH. End-to-End Process & Facility Optimization: Lead the end-to-end design and implementation of new manufacturing and distribution processes, including the strategic layout of facility space.
- They ask for
- 7+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Stamping, Plant layout, SolidWorks, AutoCAD
- Base pay
- $93k–$159k
- Day to day
- about 20% travel
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Production Engineer roles in Ohio: typical posted base $120k–$150k. This one lists $93k–$159k.
Median of the low and high ends of 7 live postings that list pay, out of 44 production engineer openings in Ohio, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Ohio plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 43 other live production postings in Ohio.
- Base pay
- About 7% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (7+ vs 8+)
Typical $121k–$150k, from 6 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 8+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 66%
- ✓ Lean 52%
- EHS / safety 36%
- ✓ Six Sigma 30%
- New product launch 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Stamping, Plant layout, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Simpson Strong-Tie
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 20% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Simpson Strong-Tie in Columbus
2 other open roles at this site.
- Tool & Die Maker Lead · Manufacturing · Technician
- Maintenance Technician – Weekend Shift · Reliability · Technician
Full description from Simpson Strong-TieAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Desired skills and experience
If you can do everything listed above, you’ve got what it takes. Perhaps some of the following would be helpful too:
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Industrial Engineering, related field or equivalent work experience
- ✓7+ years of experience in engineering within a manufacturing environment.
- ✓5+ years’ experience managing/supervising individuals and/or projects independently with decision making
responsibilities
- ◆Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and project management methodologies (PMI preferred). Proficient in CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet). PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.
- ◆Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams. Skilled in setting clear goals, fostering motivation, and supporting both personal and professional growth.
- ◆Project & Program Management: Demonstrated success managing complex capital projects, facility layouts, and cross-functional initiatives. Strong planning, budgeting, and scheduling skills with a focus on timely, results-driven execution.
- ◆Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen: Ability to align engineering efforts with business strategy, evaluate ROI, manage KPIs, and make data-informed decisions that balance technical, financial, and operational priorities.
- ◆Communication & Influence: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to present complex information clearly and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
- ◆Problem Solving & Decision Making: Strong analytical and judgment skills. Capable of resolving conflicts, navigating ambiguity, and making balanced decisions that consider diverse perspectives.
- ◆Adaptability & Self-Management: Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Embrace
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.
Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.
Learn about our company culture directly from our team .
YOU
We are seeking a dynamic, experienced hands-on Engineering Manager to lead engineering and lean manufacturing initiatives across a complex manufacturing environment that includes high-volume progressive die stamping, low-volume/high-mix fabrication, and distribution operations. This role will be responsible for coaching, and developing team members and ensuring successful execution of engineering and lean projects that align with business objectives. The Engineering Manager will also lead a major facility layout initiative in a newly expanded space, driving improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) through engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING (% of Time)
Facility Layout & Operational Transformation ( 40% )
- •End-to-End Process & Facility Optimization: Lead the end-to-end design and implementation of new manufacturing and distribution processes, including the strategic layout of facility space.
- •Define and Drive Engineering Strategy: Craft and communicate a clear engineering vision, aligning near-term actions, mid-term capabilities, and long-term innovation with evolving customer and business needs.
- •Champion Innovation: Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to guide strategic investments and operational transformation.
- •Apply Lean Principles: Use Lean, Six Sigma, and ergonomic methodologies to optimize material flow, equipment placement, and workforce productivity.
- •Ensure Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with safety, quality, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure facility designs support SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) objectives.
Process Evaluation & Improvement ( 40% )
- •Evaluate and Improve Processes: Use engineering principles and data analysis to identify and implement improvements in manufacturing and distribution operations.
- •Drive Results: Lead initiatives that enhance safety, product quality, delivery performance, and cost-effectiveness.
- •Implement Sustainable Solutions: Collaborate with manufacturing leaders to solve systemic issues and implement long-term, scalable improvements.
Leadership & Team Development ( 10% )
- •Build and Empower High-Performing Teams: Recruit, develop, and retain top engineering talent. Foster a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- •Enable Growth: Champion both personal and professional development by providing mentorship, technical training, career pathing, and stretch opportunities.
- •Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity, initiative, and a commitment to excellence. Create an inclusive environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and ownership.
- •Standardize Excellence: Promote consistent, data-driven approaches to problem-solving, process design, and optimization. Encourage knowledge sharing and cross-functional learning.
Program & Project Management ( 10% )
- •Lead Cross-Functional Programs
- •Supports CapEx Portfolio: Oversee capital project planning, prioritization, budgeting, and execution. Provide transparent updates on project status, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
- •Deliver Results: Ensure all projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet defined performance and value metrics.
- •Optimize Project Execution: Continuously improve project management processes and tools. Implement change management strategies to embed best practices across teams.