Damper Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Damper Design Manager

Company: PROCESSBARRON MASTER

Location: Pelham, Alabama, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Engineering Management / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-06-03

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of engineers and designers focused on the development and technical problem-solving for Air Handling Dampers and expansion joints, ensuring robust product development lifecycle management.

• Oversee the entire engineering design process, from initial concept and R&D through to testing, modification, and creation of technical solutions, emphasizing design integrity and innovation.

• Drive project planning and execution, ensuring detailed plans are created to accomplish goals, and that all project specifications are discussed and laid out accurately, aligning with GTM strategies.

• Manage resource allocation and budget approval, identifying engineering time, labor, and material requirements, and approving expenditures to ensure project profitability and efficiency.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the engineering team, focusing on quality control and adherence to technical standards and company capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Damper Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly indicate a broader engineering management role overseeing product development within a specific niche (Air Handling Dampers and expansion joints). The focus on leading a team, R&D, and project oversight places this firmly within an operations-adjacent engineering management function critical to efficient product delivery and GTM success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead engineers and technicians in the design of machinery, planning of projects, and oversight of production and quality control for Air Handling Dampers and expansion joints.

• Conduct and approve detailed product designs, ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to project specifications and client requirements.

• Spearhead the research and development (R&D) of new products and procedures, identifying opportunities for innovation and market differentiation.

• Manage the hiring, training, and mentorship of engineers and supporting staff, fostering professional growth and team development.

• Conduct performance reviews, address internal issues, and establish administrative policies, procedures, and standards for the engineering department.

• Draft proposals and technical reports for clients, clearly articulating project scope, technical solutions, and proposed expenditures.

• Gain and maintain deep knowledge of the company's product line and capabilities to engineer projects with accuracy and efficiency.

• Create detailed work schedules for project planning and customer communication, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder alignment.

• Identify engineering time, labor, and material requirements by studying proposals, blueprints, specifications, and related documents.

• Coordinate departmental activities with other internal units and external organizations to ensure seamless workflow and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, resource planning, and cross-functional coordination, all critical components of operational excellence within an engineering and product development context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BS in Engineering or 10 years of relevant experience. Preference for a BS in Engineering.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years managing a team of technical professionals.

Required Skills:

• Proven team leadership and management capabilities, with experience supervising engineering and design professionals.

• Strong understanding of engineering design principles and methodologies for mechanical systems, specifically related to dampers and expansion joints.

• Proficiency in project planning, execution, and monitoring, including scope definition, timeline management, and resource allocation.

• Expertise in quality control processes and standards to ensure product integrity and performance.

• Experience in research and development (R&D), including ideation, feasibility studies, and product innovation.

• Demonstrated ability in performance management, including conducting reviews, providing feedback, and fostering team development.

• Skills in technical writing for proposals, reports, and specifications.

• Experience with budget approval and financial oversight for engineering projects.

• Proficiency in resource planning, including labor, time, and material estimation.

• Ability to interpret and analyze blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific Air Handling Damper and expansion joint design software or simulation tools.

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and production oversight for engineered products.

• Familiarity with CRM systems for client interaction and project tracking.

• Experience in developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for engineering workflows.

• Understanding of supply chain management principles relevant to component sourcing and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills suggest a need for candidates who can quickly integrate into the company's specific product domain and leverage existing systems for efficient project and team management, aligning with operational efficiency goals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully leading engineering teams through the complete product development lifecycle, from concept to market-ready solutions.

• Showcase examples of process optimization initiatives within engineering workflows that led to measurable improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, or product quality.

• Provide case studies of system implementations or improvements within an engineering or design department that enhanced team productivity or design accuracy.

• Quantify the impact of your leadership on project outcomes, highlighting ROI, cost savings, or revenue generation attributable to successful product launches or design improvements. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of designing and implementing standardized engineering workflows, including design review processes, testing protocols, and documentation standards.

• Examples of process automation within engineering tasks or team management, detailing the tools and methodologies used and the resulting efficiency gains.

• Demonstrate experience in establishing metrics and reporting mechanisms to track engineering team performance, project progress, and product quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating process ownership, project lifecycle management, and quantifiable results in an engineering context will be crucial for this role, underscoring the importance of operations-minded leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the experience level (5-10 years, with 3+ years in management), location (Pelham, AL), and the nature of an engineering management role in manufacturing, a competitive salary range can be estimated.

• Estimated Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000 annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Engineering Managers in the manufacturing sector in the Southeast United States, considering the required BS degree or equivalent experience and the management responsibilities. Data from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Glassdoor, and LinkedIn Salary were consulted for similar roles and locations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and potential for certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines or address urgent operational needs. Travel up to 25% may be required for client meetings, site visits, or industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits are estimated based on industry standards for this role and location. Specific details should be confirmed with the employer. The travel percentage indicates a hands-on role potentially involving client or site engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing / Industrial Equipment, specifically focusing on Air Handling Dampers and expansion joints. This industry requires a strong emphasis on product reliability, engineering precision, and efficient production processes to meet client demands and maintain market competitiveness.

Company Size: PROCESSBARRON MASTER is a medium to large-sized organization, likely employing over 250 individuals, given the structured nature of the job posting and the need for departmental management. This size typically allows for established processes while still offering opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: Founding date not specified, but the established nature of the job posting and the mention of product lines suggest a company with a history and established market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Damper Design Manager will lead a dedicated team of engineers and technicians responsible for product design and development. This team likely operates within a larger Engineering or Product Development department.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a Director of Engineering, VP of Product Development, or similar senior leadership role.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with Manufacturing, Sales, Quality Assurance, and potentially Procurement departments to ensure smooth product lifecycle management and successful go-to-market strategies. Methodology:

• Data Analysis: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making for design improvements, R&D initiatives, and performance tracking.

• Workflow Planning: Structured approach to project planning, resource allocation, and scheduling to ensure efficient and timely project completion.

• Automation & Efficiency: A drive towards identifying and implementing automation in design processes or team management to enhance productivity and reduce errors.

Company Website: [PROCESSBARRON MASTER Company Website - Not provided, but inferring domain from organization URL]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates in a niche industrial manufacturing sector, requiring a blend of technical expertise and operational efficiency. The team structure suggests a collaborative environment where the manager plays a pivotal role in cross-functional alignment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within an engineering and product development function. It requires a blend of technical expertise and leadership skills, with significant responsibility for team performance, project outcomes, and product innovation.

Reporting Structure: The Damper Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive within the engineering or operations structure, such as a Director of Engineering or VP of Product Development. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and designers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's ability to innovate, produce high-quality products efficiently, and meet market demands. Successful product development and design optimization directly contribute to the company's revenue, market share, and competitive positioning. Effective management of resources and timelines is crucial for operational efficiency and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles such as Director of Engineering, VP of Product Development, or even Chief Technology Officer (CTO), overseeing broader engineering functions or entire product portfolios.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of damper and expansion joint technology, becoming a recognized subject matter expert within the company and the industry.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Possibility of transitioning into broader operations management roles, program management, or even strategic business unit leadership, leveraging a strong understanding of product development and manufacturing processes.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Opportunity to lead significant initiatives in process optimization, automation, and digital transformation within the engineering and R&D departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a key management hub, with clear pathways for career progression into more senior engineering or operations leadership positions, emphasizing the strategic importance of the position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Pelham Office, suggesting a dedicated facility that likely houses engineering, design, and potentially administrative functions.

Office Location(s): 2770 Welborn St, Pelham, AL 35124. Pelham is a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, offering access to a moderate metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be a collaborative office setting, fostering interaction among the engineering team, with designated spaces for design work, meetings, and technical discussions.

• Access to necessary engineering software, design tools, testing equipment, and potentially prototyping facilities will be available to support the team's work.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members, peers in other departments, and senior management will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule: The primary work schedule is full-time, likely Monday through Friday, during standard business hours. However, the "Up to 25% Travel" indicates that the role may require flexibility to attend client sites, vendor meetings, or industry events, potentially involving some overnight stays or extended workdays during travel periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature and travel requirement suggest a hands-on management role that balances office-based leadership with external engagement and operational oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: An HR or recruiter-led call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your leadership philosophy and key achievements in managing engineering teams.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your technical expertise, management style, and understanding of product development processes. Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through design challenges and product launches.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve a panel of senior engineers, designers, or operations leaders. Expect questions on engineering principles, problem-solving methodologies, and your approach to quality control and R&D. Be ready to discuss your experience with Air Handling Dampers or similar complex mechanical systems.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present specific projects from your portfolio. Focus on your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior executive (e.g., VP of Engineering/Operations) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision for the department, and cultural fit within the broader organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Diverse Examples: Choose 2-3 key projects that best showcase your leadership, technical acumen, and process management skills.

Include examples of successful product launches, significant design improvements, or team performance enhancements.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The problem or objective.
  • Your role and leadership approach.
  • The technical challenges and solutions developed.
  • The processes or systems implemented or improved.
  • The quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, performance improvements, revenue impact).

• Highlight Operations Impact: Emphasize how your engineering decisions and team leadership contributed to operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery to market.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about the engineering specifics of your projects, the tools you used, and the rationale behind your design choices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach hypothetical design challenges or process bottlenecks related to damper development.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to answer questions about managing conflict within a team, motivating engineers, or handling underperformance.

• Process Improvement Case Study: You might be asked to outline a process improvement plan for a specific area of the department. Focus on identifying bottlenecks, proposing solutions, and defining metrics for success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and case studies highlights the need for candidates to demonstrate tangible results and a structured, operations-oriented approach to engineering management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar for 2D and 3D design of mechanical components and systems.

• FEA Software: Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) for simulating stress, strain, and thermal performance of damper components.

• PLM/PDM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing design data, revisions, and product configurations.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or Trello for project planning, task assignment, and progress tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, calculations, and basic reporting.

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for understanding how design impacts manufacturing, inventory, and cost data.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Basic understanding or experience with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for performance dashboards and reporting if applicable to engineering metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not primary for design, an understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) are used by sales and client services to track customer needs and feedback is beneficial.

• Automation Scripting: Potential for light scripting (e.g., VBA in Excel, Python) to automate repetitive design calculations or data processing tasks.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes a strong foundation in design and simulation tools, coupled with project management and data analysis capabilities, essential for efficient product development and team oversight.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Reliability: A core value for products in this industry; engineers are expected to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and ensure the reliability of designs.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of constantly seeking better designs, more efficient processes, and new product features.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where engineers and designers work together effectively, share knowledge, and support each other's work.

• Accountability & Ownership: Valuing individuals who take responsibility for their work, own project outcomes, and actively contribute to team goals.

• Customer Focus: Understanding that design decisions ultimately impact customer satisfaction and operational performance in the field.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive approach to working with manufacturing, sales, and quality teams to ensure designs are feasible, manufacturable, and meet market needs.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent sharing of information within the engineering team and with other departments.

• Process-Oriented: A tendency to rely on established processes and procedures while remaining open to improving them through collaborative review and feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes technical rigor, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: The challenge of developing novel solutions while ensuring they are cost-effective, manufacturable, and reliable within stringent industry standards.

• Managing Diverse Skill Sets: Leading a team with varying levels of experience and specialization, ensuring each member is utilized effectively and has opportunities for growth.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with advancements in design software, simulation techniques, and materials science relevant to damper and expansion joint technology.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and alignment between engineering, manufacturing, sales, and customer support to avoid design flaws or production delays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to attend specialized courses or workshops on advanced engineering principles, materials, or specific design software.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to company-sponsored or external training focused on management skills, strategic planning, and team motivation.

• Industry Conferences & Trade Shows: Participation in industry events to stay abreast of market trends, competitor activities, and new technologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders or to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth and knowledge transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities for significant professional development by tackling complex engineering and leadership challenges within a specialized manufacturing environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a team of engineers and designers. How do you foster collaboration and ensure high performance?" (Prepare to discuss leadership style, team motivation, and performance management strategies.)

• "Walk me through a complex product development project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, your role, and the outcome?" (Be ready to present a detailed case study from your portfolio, focusing on your leadership and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure the technical accuracy and quality of engineering designs produced by your team?" (Discuss your quality control processes, review methodologies, and experience with technical validation.)

• "Imagine we are facing a significant delay in a critical product launch due to design issues. How would you diagnose the problem and get the project back on track?" (Prepare to outline a structured problem-solving approach, including communication and resource management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about PROCESSBARRON MASTER and this specific role?" (Research the company's products, market position, and values. Connect your skills and aspirations to their needs.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with other departments, such as manufacturing and sales?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional projects and your communication strategies.)

• "Describe a time you had to implement a significant change or new process within an engineering team. What was the impact?" (Demonstrate your change management and process improvement capabilities.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Everything: For each project presented, emphasize the measurable impact on efficiency, cost, quality, or revenue. Use numbers, percentages, and specific metrics.

• Focus on Your Leadership: While technical details are important, highlight your role as a manager and leader in driving the project's success.

• Showcase Process Thinking: Explain the methodologies, workflows, and systems you used or implemented to manage the project and team effectively.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your projects and be prepared to defend your decisions and explain your reasoning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only technical competence but also strong leadership, process management, and strategic thinking skills, with a clear focus on quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent engineering management position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Paycom.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in leading engineering teams, managing product development lifecycles, and implementing process improvements. Use keywords from the job description such as "Engineering Design," "Team Leadership," "Project Planning," and "Quality Control."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 impactful projects that showcase your leadership, technical problem-solving, and quantifiable results. Be ready to articulate the ROI and operational impact of your work.

• Research PROCESSBARRON MASTER: Understand their product offerings, industry position, and any publicly available information on their company culture or values.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for your examples.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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