Manager, Production Engineering

Job Description :

As Saab, Inc. gets ready to begin our manufacturing operation in Grayling, MI, we are seeking a Production Engineering Manager to lead a team of Senior Manufacturing Engineers, Production Test Technicians, and Process Engineers to develop, support, and mature manufacturing operations at the Grayling, MI location. The Manufacturing Engineering function will be responsible for all the production technical work for assembly, installation, and test from receipt of components to shipment of final product. The function is also accountable for manufacturing engineering development, instilling best practices in manufacturing techniques, and qualification of new products based on both Saab and customer requirements. The Production Engineer Manager will be an integral link between the design team and the production team in our facility in Grayling, MI.

This role will require some travel. This role will also require the candidate to relocate to Grayling, Michigan around May of 2026. Relocation will be provided.

Responsibilities will include :

Leading a Manufacturing Engineering team focused on manufacturing line support, developing manufacturing fixtures and assembly aides, drafting, and revising assembly instructions, and maintaining plant layout.

Daily tactical assignment of Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, and Test Technicians. Team size is currently planned for 9 individuals with future growth as the facility expands.

Coaching team on core tenants of each respective discipline

Engage with manufacturing leadership to ensure production efforts are supported

Establish a visual factory

Development of process flows and PFMEAs

Aggregate and prioritize facility requests, capital requests, and technology needs within manufacturing

Drive continuous improvement for efficient production.

Lead processes, methods, tooling, fixturing, and production controls for new and existing products and programs. To include the use of CAD (SolidWorks).

Manage technical issues that arise on the production floor utilizing work instructions, design models, and specifications

Champion the Company values, consistently demonstrating – Trust, Drive, Expertise, and Support

Compensation Range : $128,800-$167,400

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education / training.

Skills and Experience :

​ Bachelor's degree.

7+ years of manufacturing experience with 5+ years in a leadership role.

Experience leading a technical team in a mixed technology environment.

Previous experience in a DoD manufacturing environment.

Greenfield site experience.

Understanding of Lean and Six Sigma principles and concepts.

Knowledge of Technical Data Packages (technical drawings, BOMs, Test Requirements Documents).

Understanding of fixture development and fabrication.

Experience with cost accounting and capital expenditure processes.

Experience in cost estimation for both materials and labor.

Strong problem solving and root cause determination skills.

Ability to work a flexible schedule to support the business.

Ability to implement lean manufacturing tools.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Munitions experience preferred.

Citizenship Requirements :

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces :

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Benefits :

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, business-casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits :

Medical, vision and dental insurance for employees and dependents

Paid time off including : minimum of 3 weeks vacation, 5 floating holidays, 8 designated holidays, parental leave, personal illness, bereavement, jury duty, long-term and short-term disability

401(k) with immediate vesting on employer match

Tuition assistance

Student loan assistance

Wellness account, Care.com subscription and employee assistance programs

Employee stock purchase program with employer match

About Us :

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.