Engineering Program Manager, Manufacturing Operations

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

As a dynamic and experienced Engineering Program Manager, you will lead strategic engineering 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 hiring, coaching, and developing a team of project engineers, managing the branch capital expenditure (CapEx) portfolio, and ensuring successful execution of engineering projects that align with business objectives.

The Engineering Program 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)

Leadership & Team Development (30%)

• 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 (30%)

• Lead Cross-Functional Programs: Chair the Project Steering Committee and serve as the primary liaison between engineering, operations, finance, and executive leadership.
• Manage 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.

Facility Layout & Operational Transformation (25%)

• 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 (15%)

• 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.

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 mechanica