Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Engineering Supervisor

💰 $95,000 - $145,000

EngineeringManagementLeadership

🎯 Role Definition

The Engineering Supervisor is responsible for the direct management, technical guidance, and career development of a team of engineers. This individual will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects, ensuring they meet stringent quality, budget, and timeline requirements. The ideal candidate will blend hands-on technical expertise with exceptional leadership skills to drive process improvements, solve complex challenges, and contribute to the company's strategic goals. You will be the cornerstone of the engineering department, ensuring that both people and projects are set up for success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Engineer
  • Lead Engineer
  • Project Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Engineering Manager
  • Senior Engineering Manager
  • Director of Engineering

Lateral Moves:

  • Project Manager
  • Program Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers, providing regular feedback, coaching, and performance management to foster professional growth and technical excellence.
  • Oversee the entire project lifecycle from conception and design through to implementation, testing, and final delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
  • Develop and implement engineering standards, best practices, and robust processes to improve team efficiency, product quality, and operational effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, operations, and quality assurance, to define project requirements, align on technical solutions, and ensure seamless project execution.
  • Manage resource allocation, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to effectively support multiple concurrent projects and departmental goals.
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance engineering capabilities and innovation.
  • Act as the primary technical point of contact for the team, providing expert guidance, resolving complex technical challenges, and making critical design decisions.
  • Ensure all engineering activities and designs comply with industry regulations, safety standards (e.g., OSHA), and company policies.
  • Prepare and present regular project status reports, technical documentation, and performance metrics to senior management and key stakeholders.
  • Champion a world-class culture of safety, ensuring that all team members adhere to safety protocols and procedures in all engineering and site activities.
  • Facilitate technical design reviews and FMEAs (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to ensure adherence to architectural standards and proactive risk mitigation.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and consultants to support project needs and acquire specialized technological support.
  • Lead the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new engineers to build and scale a diverse and talented technical team.
  • Develop and manage the departmental budget, including forecasting expenses, tracking spending, and justifying capital expenditures for new equipment or software.
  • Investigate and troubleshoot production issues, leading root cause analysis (RCA) efforts and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Plan and supervise the design, installation, and commissioning of new equipment, machinery, and control systems.
  • Conduct risk assessments for engineering projects and develop robust mitigation strategies to minimize potential operational and financial issues.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies, industry trends, and competitor activities to inform strategic direction and maintain a competitive edge.
  • Foster an inclusive and collaborative team environment that encourages open communication, creative problem-solving, and a sense of shared ownership.
  • Translate high-level business objectives into actionable technical tasks, user stories, and clear roadmaps for the engineering team.

Secondary Functions

  • Support cross-departmental initiatives and special projects as a technical subject matter expert.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of the organization's long-term technology and engineering roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate high-level business needs into detailed engineering requirements and project scopes.
  • Participate in strategic planning sessions and leadership meetings to represent the engineering function.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Project Management: Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Jira, MS Project, Asana) and methodologies (Agile, Waterfall).
  • Technical Design & Analysis: Expertise in CAD/CAE software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Ansys) relevant to the specific engineering discipline.
  • Process Improvement Methodologies: Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles for optimizing processes.
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Skilled in systematic problem-solving techniques like 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and Fault Tree Analysis.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with industry-specific standards and regulations (e.g., ISO 9001, OSHA, ASME).
  • Budget Management: Experience in creating, managing, and reporting on departmental and project budgets.
  • ERP Systems: Working knowledge of ERP systems like SAP or Oracle for managing resources and project data.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop a technical team.
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interfacing with technical teams, stakeholders, and senior leadership.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture and align team activities with broader business objectives.
  • Problem-Solving: Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills to resolve complex technical and operational challenges.
  • Decision Making: Sound judgment and the ability to make timely, well-informed decisions under pressure.
  • Conflict Resolution: Adept at navigating interpersonal dynamics and resolving conflicts within the team and with other departments.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to manage changing priorities and ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Or a closely related technical field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10 years

Preferred:

  • At least 5-7 years of progressive experience in a relevant engineering discipline, coupled with a minimum of 2-3 years in a formal leadership, supervisory, or senior mentorship capacity. A proven track record of successfully leading teams to deliver complex engineering projects from concept to completion is highly desirable.
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