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 experiencedEngineering Program Manager, youwill lead strategic engineering initiatives across a complex manufacturing environment that includeshigh-volume progressive die stamping,low-volume/high-mix fabrication, anddistribution operations. This role will be responsible forhiring, coaching, and developing a team of project engineers, managing thebranch capital expenditure (CapEx) portfolio, and ensuring successful execution of engineering projects that align with business objectives.

The Engineering Program Manager will also lead amajor facility layout initiativein a newly expanded space, driving improvements insafety, 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 mechanical, Industrial Engineering, related field or equivalent work experience
• 7+ years of experience in engineering or program management 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. Embraces change and continuously seek improvement.
• Attention to Detail: Committed to accuracy, quality, and thoroughness in all aspects of work, from technical execution to documentation and reporting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear, and sometimes walk and stand. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment where standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers/scanners, etc. are frequently used.

Travel

This position requires domestic and international travel up to 20% of the time.

Work Status & Location

This full-time, exempt position is in Columbus, OH

Relocation

Relocation is not available for this position.

Pay

$91,300 - $155,200 / year

REWARDS AT SIMPSON STRONG-TIE

We recognize and reward employees with a carefully designed and comprehensive rewards package, including competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses or commission and first-rate benefits. May exclude some positions, such as seasonal jobs.

• Quarterly Bonuses/Commission:You will be eligible for either a bonus or commission, paid on a quarterly basis. We believe all employees affect customers, sales and revenue - directly or indirectly - and should be rewarded by sharing the company profits.
• Benefits: We provide a wide range of benefits for eligible full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, employee stock purchase and bonus plans, pay for holidays, vacation, sick days, funerals and jury duty, years of service awards, employee discounts, employee referral bonuses, charitable contribution matching, education reimbursement and more. View benefit plan details here: https://benefits.strongtie.com/.

In keeping with our values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that our employment decisions are based on your qualifications and merit, and our business needs.

Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful background investigation and drug test. Simpson Strong-Tie's drug policy is based upon Federal Law, and therefore will screen applicants for amphetamines, including methamphetamines, cocaine, phencyclidine and opiates.

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