Job Description
Job Title: Engineering Manager
Salary: €48,000 per year (before tax)
Benefits: Meal Tickets, Pension, Healthcare
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Timisoara, Romania
Job Start date: ASAP
Shift Pattern: Days
We’re supporting our client, a global, leading manufacturer based in Timisoara, who are looking for an Engineering Manager to join their growing team. The successful Engineering Manager will have previous experience leading engineering teams with precision CNC machining and assembly environments.
Job Summary: As an Engineering Manager, you’ll lead the Product and Process Engineering functions at the Timisoara Plant, serving as the technical authority for CNC machining, assembly, and associated subcontract processes. This role is central to translating customer requirements into robust, efficient, and profitable manufacturing processes.
Working closely with Sales, Operations, and Quality, the Engineering Manager will ensure that customer specifications are accurately interpreted into manufacturing drawings, process instructions, control plans, and quality documentation that meet both technical and commercial objectives.
As a key member of the site leadership team, the Engineering Manager will drive process excellence, standardisation, and Continuous Improvement within the company’s Lean Operating System framework.
Responsibilities for Engineering Manager:
- Lead the Product and Process Engineering team, setting direction, priorities, and performance standards aligned with site and group objectives.
- Translate customer and market requirements into efficient manufacturing solutions, ensuring technical feasibility, cost competitiveness, and profitability.
- Work cross-functionally with Sales and Operations to establish cost-effective machining, finishing, and assembly routes that achieve target market pricing and margin goals.
- Embed the company Business System principles into engineering workflows to drive consistent execution, problem-solving, and process ownership.
- Develop, validate, and standardise machining and assembly processes across CNC technologies, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling, turning, turn-mill, grinding, and high-volume machining operations.
- Oversee the creation and maintenance of process documentation—drawings, routings, control plans, and PFMEAs—ensuring compliance with customer and quality standards.
- Optimise cutting parameters, tooling, and work-holding solutions to deliver repeatable quality and productivity improvements.
- Support introduction of new products (NPI) through structured APQP methodologies, ensuring smooth transition from prototype to series production.
- Partner with Sales and Programme Management to review customer enquiries and provide technically sound and commercially viable quotations.
- Engage directly with customers to understand specifications, resolve engineering concerns, and align expectations throughout the product lifecycle.
- Drive value engineering initiatives that enhance manufacturability and reduce total cost without compromising quality or performance.
- Lead CI and Kaizen initiatives within the engineering domain to reduce variation, improve efficiency, and strengthen process control.
- Apply structured problem-solving tools (A3 Thinking, 5-Whys, PDCA) to resolve recurring issues and eliminate waste.
- Maintain and improve Standard Work across engineering processes and ensure lessons learned are shared and embedded.
- Support Visual Management and daily performance review systems that reinforce Lean accountability and rapid issue resolution.
- Manage and develop process knowledge related to subcontract operations, including thermal processing (e.g. HIP, heat treatment) and coating processes (e.g. zinc plating, black oxide, and special coatings).
- Ensure subcontract processes meet quality, cost, and lead-time expectations and are fully integrated into production workflows.
- Collaborate with suppliers to qualify and improve subcontract process capabilities.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
- Proven experience leading engineering teams within precision CNC machining and assembly environments.
- Deep technical knowledge of CNC machining technologies, tooling, and process optimisation.
- Commercial acumen to balance technical excellence with cost competitiveness and profitability.
- Familiarity with subcontract thermal and coating processes and their impact on product performance.
- Demonstrated experience in Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and structured problem-solving.
- Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills across functions and customer interfaces.
- Fluency in English; Romanian and/or German language skills advantageous.
About You:
Job Application:
If you would like to be considered for the role of Engineering Manager, please apply with your full CV – or call us now. Whilst this position may not be of interest to you or suit your skills and experience, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with a member of the team at Willcox Matthews to understand how we can support you.
Willcox Matthews Recruitment Ltd acts an employment business for permanent and contract roles. By completing the application process, you agree to the terms outlined in our Privacy Notice and that Willcox Matthews Ltd may contact you in connection with your application in relation to Willcox Matthews providing you with work-finding services. Our Privacy Notice can be viewed under the privacy tab on our website.
We take your application seriously and we make every effort to respond to all applicants.
Candidates must be eligible to work and live in the EU