Guided Search Partners (GSP)

Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships.
We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a growing manufacturing organization specializing in plastics and injection molding, supporting regulated industries where precision, quality, and consistency matter. Operating from an on-site manufacturing facility in Lynchburg, this team plays a critical role in delivering engineered solutions that meet demanding technical and compliance standards.

This Assistant Engineering Manager role exists as part of a thoughtful succession plan. With the current Engineering Manager operating remotely and approaching retirement, the organization is investing in on-site leadership to ensure continuity, responsiveness, and long-term capability. This position offers a rare opportunity to step into a visible role today while preparing for full Engineering Manager responsibility in the future.

The environment is ideal for a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving problems on the production floor, partnering across functions, and growing into senior leadership. If you thrive where technical depth, leadership development, and real ownership intersect, this role offers both challenge and runway.

What You’ll Do

As the on-site Assistant Engineering Manager, you’ll be deeply involved in daily operations while building toward broader leadership responsibility.

• Act as the on-site extension and primary liaison for the remote Engineering Manager, ensuring alignment and execution of engineering priorities.

• Support and coordinate daily manufacturing engineering activities within the facility.

• Troubleshoot technical, process, and production issues directly on the manufacturing floor.

• Improve manufacturing processes, methods, and documentation to support efficiency, quality, and scalability.

• Partner closely with quality, production, design engineering, and maintenance teams to align objectives and resolve issues.

• Support continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives across the operation.

• Assist with the implementation of new equipment, technologies, and process validations.

• Ensure engineering activities comply with ISO 13485 and AS9100 standards.

• Gradually assume broader leadership responsibilities in preparation for transition into the Engineering Manager role.

Who You Are

You’re a hands-on engineering professional who likes being close to the work and the people doing it. You ask questions, dig into root causes, and stay calm when production issues arise.

You communicate clearly, collaborate naturally across departments, and are comfortable working with remote leadership while owning on-site execution. Growth motivates you—not just improving processes, but stepping into increasing responsibility over time.

You’re the type who sees complexity as an opportunity to lead, learn, and build something better.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (mechanical, plastics, or related technical field).

• 3–5 years of experience in injection molding or plastics manufacturing.

• Leadership potential or prior supervisory experience preferred.

• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments such as medical, aerospace, or automotive is a plus.

• Working knowledge of mold design, tooling, process optimization, and quality systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical, hands-on approach.

• Clear communicator able to coordinate effectively with both on-site teams and remote leadership.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Familiarity with ISO 13485 and AS9100 standards beneficial.

Why This Role Matters

This role is central to ensuring engineering excellence at the facility today while shaping leadership for tomorrow. Your work directly supports manufacturing performance, quality compliance, and the development of future processes and capabilities.

You’ll work closely with senior leadership and gain visibility across the organization as you prepare to step into the Engineering Manager role. With a clear succession path, strong mentorship, and meaningful responsibility from day one, this is the right moment for an engineer ready to grow into senior leadership.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to the Engineering Manager (remote).

• Partners closely with Project Engineers and the broader management team.

• Collaborates daily with production, quality, design engineering, and maintenance teams.