Mechanical Engineering Manager

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Value Driven Solutions (VDS) is looking for a Mechanical Engineering Manager to join our interim executive bench, with this engagement deploying on-site at our PE-backed manufacturing client in the [Location] region. The Mechanical Engineering Manager will lead a team of mechanical engineers and partner with operations, quality, and supply chain to deliver designs that work in the real world.

The ideal candidate will enjoy taking products from concept through volume production and have the ability to dig into a design problem, weigh trade-offs across cost, manufacturability, and reliability, and deliver the best possible engineered solution. The ideal candidate will apply their command of CAD, DFM, and stage-gate NPI and communicate effectively with engineers, suppliers, and operations leaders.

Responsibilities:

• Engineering team leadership – Lead a team of mechanical engineers across product, sustaining, and project engineering. Develop engineering standards, design reviews, and stage-gate discipline.
• NPI execution – Own the mechanical engineering deliverables for NPI: design, prototyping, DFMEA, tolerance stack-up, and validation. Drive design-for-manufacturing, design-for-assembly, and design-for-cost discipline.
• Standards and partnerships – Lead capital project mechanical scope including layout, equipment selection, and integration. Manage tooling, fixturing, and gauging design and procurement. Partner with suppliers on component qualification, PPAP, and continuous improvement.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience with 3+ years managing engineers
• Strong CAD command (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or equivalent) and FEA familiarity
• Documented NPI track record from concept through volume production
• Comfort working on the shop floor and leading hands-on troubleshooting
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required; MS a plus
• PE license preferred
• Experience in regulated industries (medical device, aerospace, automotive); Lean / Six Sigma certification a plus

About Value Driven Solutions

Value Driven Solutions (VDS) is a management consulting firm dedicated to Operational Excellence for middle-market and private equity-backed manufacturers. Senior executives and PE investors worldwide rely on VDS to enhance enterprise value, expand margins, improve capital efficiency, reduce working capital, optimize supply chains, and prepare companies for sale. Our network of 10,000+ Interim Executives and Experts is fully vetted, with an average of 20–30 years of experience — the top 1% of operating talent globally.

Our experts enjoy a work culture that promotes hands-on impact, executive-level autonomy, and meaningful results. VDS engagement benefits include competitive contract rates commensurate with experience and seniority, structured engagement support through a dedicated VDS Engagement Partner, proven methodology and toolkits including the Value-Driven Approach® and Everything OpEx® frameworks, and continued business development between engagements.

Experts can also take advantage of access to our 360° Client Alignment® process, deployment within days of engagement start, exposure to diverse industries (aerospace, food, consumer goods, industrial products, medical device, semiconductor, and battery manufacturing), and a structured Contract-to-Hire path that lets both Expert and client validate fit before conversion. All positions are Contract-to-Hire engagements; VDS facilitates the transition to permanent employment if and when the client and Expert elect to convert.

Value Driven Solutions is an equal-opportunity employer.