Engineering Manager

Our client, an electric vehicle manufacturer company, is looking for someone to join their team as a Material Flow Engineering Manager in Normal, IL. This is a W2 contract budgeted until July 26, 2027 The team is looking for someone to lead the strategy, design, and optimization of end-to-end material flow across the manufacturing operations. In this role, you'll oversee how materials move from suppliers to the production line, ensuring high-volume production goals are met through innovative engineering, automation, and data-driven decision-making. What You Will Be Doing • Lead the design and optimization of end-to-end material flow strategies to improve efficiency, throughput, and space utilization. • Drive automation initiatives across logistics operations, including AGVs, ASRS, conveyor systems, and AI-enabled solutions that improve material availability and predict operational bottlenecks. • Develop data-driven models to optimize sequencing, batching, storage, and material delivery processes. • Partner with IT to implement and improve material tracking systems, inventory control, and digital logistics solutions. • Oversee factory and warehouse layouts using Lean manufacturing principles, including material routes, kitting areas, and automated equipment integration. • Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to develop ergonomic and efficient material delivery solutions. • Manage cross-functional projects, vendor relationships, budgets, timelines, and resource planning to achieve safety, quality, and production objectives. • Analyze staffing requirements and labor allocation using operational data. • Lead process validation, operational buy-offs, and continuous improvement initiatives. • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and documentation that support operational excellence. • Provide logistics engineering expertise during new product and facility planning to ensure scalable material flow solutions. Required Skills & Experience • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field. • 5-10 years of experience in manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain engineering within a high-volume production environment. • At least 5 years of leadership or people management experience. • Experience designing and optimizing material flow for complex manufacturing or logistics operations. • Proficiency with AutoCAD for facility and warehouse layout planning. • Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel or Google Sheets experience. • Experience working with manufacturing systems such as MES, MRP, or WMS. • Excellent project management, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills. • Ability to solve complex problems in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving manufacturing environment. Preferred Experience • MBA or Master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related discipline. • Experience with Yard Management Systems (YMS). • Experience with simulation or modeling software such as FlexSim or AnyLogic. • Experience using Power BI or similar data visualization tools. • Familiarity with AI-driven supply chain optimization and advanced logistics automation.