Senior Design Engineering Manager

About the Client Our client is a leading U.S. manufacturer of electrical distribution transformers and engineered power solutions serving utilities, OEMs, and industrial clients across North America. With a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, the company supports the modernization of the energy grid through innovation and high-quality manufacturing. Their vertically integrated operations and collaborative culture empower employees to deliver sustainable and reliable power solutions for the future. Role Overview: The Senior Design Engineering Manager leads the strategic and technical direction of distribution transformer design across multiple teams and manufacturing locations. This role oversees managers and senior-level engineers responsible for single-phase and three-phase transformer design, ensuring alignment between engineering execution, production requirements, regulatory standards, and business objectives. This position plays a critical role in driving design optimization, manufacturing readiness, and product performance while partnering closely with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams. The ideal candidate is a seasoned engineering leader with deep transformer expertise, strong people leadership skills, and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into scalable, high-quality products. Job Requirements: Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. 15+ years of experience in distribution transformer design. 10+ years leading engineering teams and managers in a high-volume manufacturing environment. Extensive experience with single-phase and three-phase transformer design. Strong working knowledge of IEEE distribution transformer standards. Experience designing products to meet DOE regulatory requirements and managing submittal processes. Background in product optimization related to materials, cost, customer specifications, and compliance. Experience with amorphous core steel, including implementation through type testing (short-circuit, heat rise, sound level) and commercialization. Familiarity with CPQ processes related to transformer design; experience with INFOR systems is a plus. Proven ability to manage engineering budgets, resources, and performance metrics. Strong analytical, decision-making, and communication skills. Personal Attributes/Skills Strategic yet hands-on engineering leader. Strong people development and mentorship capabilities. Comfortable making tactical decisions in complex technical environments. Effective collaborator across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, and sales. Results-driven with a focus on design excellence and manufacturability. Key Responsibilities: Lead Engineering Organizations: Manage multiple teams of engineering managers and senior individual contributors across assigned production lines and locations. Oversee Transformer Design: Direct the design, development, and optimization of single-phase and three-phase distribution transformers to support high-volume manufacturing. Own Product Scope: Maintain ownership of assigned product lines, ensuring designs meet performance, cost, quality, and regulatory requirements. Drive Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams to align engineering initiatives with business and customer needs. Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Oversee compliance with IEEE standards, DOE regulations, and applicable industry requirements throughout the design lifecycle. Develop Engineering Talent: Mentor and develop engineering managers and senior engineers, supporting leadership growth and succession planning. Optimize Designs: Lead efforts to improve product efficiency, material utilization, and manufacturability while maintaining compliance and performance. Manage Resources & Budgets: Allocate engineering resources effectively, manage budgets, and ensure projects are delivered within scope and financial targets. Promote Safety & Quality: Uphold safety standards and engineering best practices across all projects and teams. Monitor Performance Metrics: Define and manage engineering KPIs to ensure alignment with operational and business objectives. Support Continuous Improvement: Drive engineering process improvements and contribute to long-term product and technology strategy. Perform other job-related duties as assigned. GRIT Staffing & HR Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at eoc@gritstaffinghr.com so we can assist you.