Associate Director of Engineering

Praxis is looking for their next Associate Director of Engineering who will lead the Engineering Department and is responsible for leading all engineering activities and assignments improving operational efficiency, managing technical operations and ensuring system reliability to support business operations and growth. Responsible to support and maintain the equipment necessary to achieve production, quality and personnel safety goals in a fast growing, entrepreneurial environment.  Improves manufacturing processes and methods for cost reduction, quality improvement and efficiency. Assist in improving a system for production control, standard operating procedures, safety, and quality control. This position works with all supervision and employees to ensure that cGMPs and Praxis SOPs, policies and work instructions are being followed.

• Responsible for capital management, equipment purchases, equipment processes and automation.
• Provide direct support as needed to Praxis sites outside of Grand Rapids
• Lead, develop and mentor engineering team and espouse effective communication and collaboration with leaders in other functional areas
• Plan and direct the installation, testing, and start up operations for key capital investments
• Coach, mentor, motivate and supervise subordinates to maximize operational success; oversee the performance of the direct staff to ensure the most effective utilization of labor.
• Establish an environment and culture that promotes safety in the workplace.
• Partner with Operations to develop and implement a downtime/efficiency tracking system to minimize operational losses due to systemic equipment failures and invest in incremental investments to drive improvement
• Develop constructive relationships with vendors, contractors, consultants and governmental agency representatives, as necessary.
• Provide timely, accurate reports on equipment, systems and facility operations, as necessary.
• Work with peers, superiors and subordinates to insure the execution of the operating plan.
• Participate in continuous process improvement to increase production efficiencies.
• Responsible for adherence to all Company policies and procedures.
• Works to improve the effectiveness of the quality management system through the use of the quality policy, quality objectives, audit results, analysis of data, corrective and preventive actions.
• Assists Human Resources with interviewing and managing performance.
• Ensures employees are trained according to their roles.
• Addresses complaints and problems, elevates to Leadership when needed.
• Ensures proper PPE’s and Safety procedures are followed.
• Instills a sense of quality through modeled quality behaviors and mindset.
• Flexibly works other shifts and sites as needed

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering or related technical field, required or equivalent combination.
• Previous experience at Senior Manager or Director level (Managing 2-5 Managers/Departments) preferable.
• 5-7 years experience directly supervising/managing various levels of employees with different educational backgrounds, work style habits, and employment histories, required, preferably in GMP environment.