Mechanical Design Engineer Manager- Direct Hire
Milwaukee, WI
Mechanical Design Engineer Manager
Location: Greater Milwaukee, WI
Compensation: Open, depending on experience
TLS Partners is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer Manager on behalf of our client, a leading manufacturer in the Greater Milwaukee area. This is a direct hire opportunity with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and long-term growth.
We are looking for a proven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about building and mentoring high-performing engineering teams. The Mechanical Design Engineer Manager will share management responsibilities for a group of approximately 60 mechanical engineers, overseeing the design, development, and support of mechanical systems, tanks, and enclosures. This role works cross-functionally to ensure quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement across engineering and manufacturing processes.
What You’ll Do
- Lead, manage, and mentor a team of mechanical engineers through all phases of product development, from concept through production.
- Share responsibility for managing a team of about 60 mechanical engineers across multiple programs and initiatives.
- Oversee design activities including CAD, SolidWorks, DriveWorks, PDM, modeling, prototyping, testing, and validation.
- Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and customer specifications.
- Manage project schedules, resource planning, and team assignments.
- Collaborate with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management to align on requirements and deliverables.
- Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, tools, and standards.
- Support root cause analysis and resolution of product issues during development and in the field.
- Evaluate and implement new technologies to maximize automation and enhance team efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and regulations.
- Strengthen processes across engineering teams while maintaining agility for customized projects.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorks; PDM and ERP system experience preferred.
- Expertise in sheet-metal and weldment design.
- In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacturability principles.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage multiple projects, and set clear priorities.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and hands-on approach to technical challenges.
- Strong communication skills, with ability to collaborate across departments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
- Reliable transportation with ability to travel between local manufacturing sites.
- Significant experience in metal fabrication and manufacturing, including laser, plasma, turret, brake press, folding machines, welding, coatings, and assembly.
What My Client Is Really Looking For
Hands-on leadership: Not just a desk or people manager. We need someone who will still step into SolidWorks and PDM when needed and stay connected to the design work.
Balanced management: You’ll co-manage about 60 engineers and designers alongside another manager, dividing responsibilities based on strengths. Collaboration and balance are key.
Approachable leadership style: A steady, motivating, easy-to-work-with leader who can earn trust and build the team up.
Improving performance: The team needs someone who can re-engage them, get projects back on track, and boost results without micromanaging.
Technical credibility: Sheet metal, weldments, tanks, and enclosure design are core here. The manager must understand these areas and be able to spot issues before they reach production.
Influence on the team and process: You’ll have input on hiring, recommending improvements, and shaping how the engineering group operates — not just maintaining the status quo.
Company fit: This role works best for someone laid-back and approachable but still strong enough to guide, motivate, and hold people accountable.
Bottom line: They want a working leader — a mix of technical expertise, people skills, and the ability to earn respect while making the team more effective.
About TLS Partners
TLS Partners is a boutique direct-hire recruiting firm built on over 25 years of experience connecting exceptional talent with outstanding companies. We take pride in offering a high-touch, white-glove approach to hiring, ensuring that both our clients and candidates receive the attention, honesty, and long-term commitment they deserve. Our mission is simple: purposeful hiring that delivers results.
Process Engineer- Direct Hire
Thorp, WI
Process Engineer
Location: Thorp, WI
Compensation: $85,000 – $130,000 per year (DOE)
Schedule: 1st Shift
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Overview:
We are seeking a skilled Process Engineer responsible for improving production processes to maximize efficiency, enhance product quality, and reduce costs. This role leads cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing workflows, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. You will play a key part in developing best practices, training team members, and supporting daily operations to meet production targets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, coordinate, and implement process improvement projects in collaboration with operations leadership.
- Resolve production bottlenecks and improve efficiency by partnering with supervisors, engineers, and maintenance teams.
- Provide regular project updates to leadership and ensure successful follow-through after implementation.
- Support employee training on equipment operation, safety procedures, and CNC router programming.
- Develop and maintain standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for consistency and repeatability.
- Step in as Production Supervisor when needed to help crews achieve production goals.
- Assist with CNC router programming and manage tooling procurement and utilization for routers across the facility.
- Work closely with Quality Assurance to maintain compliance with internal and customer requirements.
- Recommend and implement process improvements that drive continuous improvement and cost savings.
- Follow all safety rules, wear proper PPE (including respirator if required), and model safe practices on the floor.
- Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field preferred.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in wood furniture or manufacturing industry.
- Leadership experience with proven ability to manage or guide team members.
- Demonstrated success in executing projects from start to finish.
- Working knowledge of routers, tooling, and basic hand tools.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; willingness to learn Insight 2020 software.
Preferred:
- 1+ years of supervisory experience.
- Experience with CNC routers, programming standards, and process documentation.
- Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma).
- Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
- Indoor production setting with variable temperatures (warm in summer).
- Exposure to dust, machinery, forklifts, and moving carts—PPE may be required.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, twist, and lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
- Hearing protection may be required in high-decibel areas.
Mechanical Design Engineer - Direct Hire
Milwaukee, WI
TLS Partners is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer on behalf of our client, a leading manufacturer in the Greater Milwaukee area. This is a direct hire opportunity offering the chance to join a strong engineering team under the leadership of the Mechanical Design Engineer Manager.
We are looking for a motivated engineer who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, thrives on solving complex design challenges, and wants to contribute to innovative mechanical systems, tanks, and enclosures. This position offers career growth, collaboration across departments, and the opportunity to make a real impact on product development and manufacturing.
What You’ll Do
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings using SolidWorks.
• Support new product development, modifications to existing designs, and custom projects.
• Assist in automation initiatives using DriveWorks to streamline repetitive design tasks.
• Manage and maintain engineering data through SolidWorks PDM, ensuring accuracy and version control.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, Quality, and Product Management to align on requirements and deliverables.
• Participate in prototyping, testing, and validation of designs.
• Provide input on design-for-manufacturability, cost, and efficiency improvements.
• Support root cause analysis and help resolve engineering and production issues.
• Stay current with new technologies and tools to enhance design processes.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and documentation standards.
What We’re Looking For
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of mechanical design experience (internships and co-op experience considered).
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks; familiarity with DriveWorks and PDM a plus.
• Understanding of sheet-metal and weldment design.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacturability principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and basic project management tools.
• Reliable transportation with ability to travel between local manufacturing sites as needed.
• Exposure to or interest in metal fabrication processes such as laser cutting, plasma, brake press, welding, coatings, and assembly.
This is an excellent opportunity for a mechanical engineer looking to grow their career under experienced leadership, while contributing to meaningful projects in a collaborative, innovative environment.
About TLS Partners
TLS Partners is a boutique direct-hire recruiting firm built on over 25 years of experience connecting exceptional talent with outstanding companies. We take pride in offering a high-touch, white-glove approach to hiring, ensuring that both our clients and candidates receive the attention, honesty, and long-term commitment they deserve. Our mission is simple: purposeful hiring that delivers results.