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Dekko

Manufacturing Engineering Manager – Sustaining & Value Improvement Projects

Dekko, Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States, 46804

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Build your career where innovation meets opportunity!

Position: Manufacturing Engineering Manager Location: Garrett, IN We are seeking a results-driven Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead sustaining engineering and Value Improvement Projects (VIPs) with a focus on cost savings, process optimization, and product lifecycle support. This leader will manage a team of engineers and technicians dedicated to identifying and executing opportunities that reduce cost, improve quality, and extend product value without compromising performance.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in manufacturing processes, cross-functional leadership skills, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Why You’ll Love It Here: At Dekko, you’ll be part of more than just a company — you’ll join a team of passionate people who truly care about what they do and who they work with. We offer:

Great People & Culture

— A supportive, values-driven environment where teamwork and integrity come first.

Competitive Pay & Benefits

— Including comprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, and an 8% fully funded retirement plan.

Growth Opportunities

— We invest in your development with training, mentorship, and the chance to take on new challenges.

Work That Matters

— Contribute to innovative products that make a difference in how people live and work.

Stability with Flexibility

— A growing company with a strong foundation that understands the importance of work-life balance.

Here, you’ll be supported, challenged, and appreciated — and you’ll love being part of the Dekko team.

What you’ll do:

Lead the sustaining engineering function, ensuring ongoing support for existing product lines and manufacturing processes.

Drive Value Improvement Projects (VIPs) focused on cost reduction, process efficiency, and margin improvement.

Identify and implement design for cost, design for manufacturability (DFM), and process optimization initiatives.

Collaborate with Supply Chain to evaluate alternative materials, components, and suppliers that support cost savings.

Work closely with Quality and Operations to resolve production issues, root causes, and corrective actions.

Develop and track KPIs for cost savings, process performance, and sustaining project execution.

Lead cross-functional teams to assess and execute value engineering opportunities across products and processes.

Support capacity analysis, line balancing, and equipment utilization improvements.

Manage departmental budgets, resources, and schedules to deliver savings targets and project deliverables.

Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards in all sustaining and improvement activities.

Mentor and develop engineers to strengthen technical skills and cost-reduction mindset within the team.

What you’ll need:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, sustaining engineering, or cost reduction projects.

At least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.

Proven track record of cost savings and value engineering initiatives in a manufacturing environment.

Technical Skills:

Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes (assembly, machining, fabrication, automation, etc.).

Proficiency in CAD, ERP/MRP systems, and cost modeling tools.

Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methods.

Familiarity with quality systems and standards (ISO, IATF, AS9100, or industry equivalent).

Soft Skills:

Strong leadership and team development abilities.

Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Analytical and data-driven with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Results-oriented, with the ability to balance short-term problem-solving with long-term strategic improvements.

Bonus if you have:

Master’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business (MBA).

Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification.

Experience in value engineering, VA/VE projects, and product lifecycle cost management.

Background in automotive, aerospace, lighting, electronics, or industrial manufacturing industries.

Dekko is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees

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