Software Engineering Manager - Manufacturing Innovation

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

As the Software Engineering Manager - Manufacturing Innovation, you will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of software products to support New Balance's Manufacturing Innovation team, as we redefine the way footwear is manufactured using advanced technologies such as robotics, automation, and IIoT. You will be responsible to work with senior engineering to determine system requirements, specifications, input/output processes, working parameters for hardware/software compatibility, and maintenance of software systems to support robotics and automation applications. You will help influence the ongoing evolution of our data strategy and roadmap delivering key insight solutions to Manufacturing stakeholders. You will liaise with Enterprise IT and business stakeholders to ensure business requirements and system objectives are correctly reflected in solution design. You will lead the software team comprised of software and data engineering. Finally, you will be an integral part of New Balance's mission to implement automation, robotics, IIoT and AI technologies to solve problems, create new capabilities, improve processes, reduce cost, improve safety and enhance domestic manufacturing.

Major Accountabilities:

• Collaborate with the Manufacturing Innovation team to develop and execute software strategies that align with the team roadmap and company initiatives.
• Evaluate new technologies and applications by considering cross-functional tradeoffs such as performance, cost, risk, complexity and ability to scale.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on best practices for custom software development projects to maintain high standards in architectural qualities such as maintainability, security, performance, scalability, observability, ease of integration and long-term sustainability.
• Define and document the software requirements for Manufacturing Innovation projects interfacing with both internal and external hardware and software development teams.
• Drive consensus and foster collaboration with leaders in manufacturing operations, innovation, and IT to ensure alignment and successful implementation of digital initiatives.
• Understand and advocate for the needs of the Manufacturing Innovation team when evaluating company wide manufacturing solutions, including SCADA, MES, and IoT.
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful deployment and adoption of robotics, automation, IoT, and digital manufacturing systems.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including architecture diagrams, design specifications, and user manuals.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure our manufacturing operations remain at the forefront of innovation.
• Conduct feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and risk assessments for proposed solutions.
• Hands-on management of a team of experienced technical leads.

Requirements for Success

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in solutions architecture, with at least 5 years experience in the robotics industry.
• Proven success in a managerial role.
• Proven track record of successfully transitioning projects from R&D to deployment.
• Strong knowledge of robotics and automation technologies that utilize computer vision, transformational geometry, kinematics, and machine learning.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment working with IoT, MES, and SCADA a plus
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically and
• analytically.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to drive consensus and collaborate effectively with manufacturing operations leaders.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure preferred) and edge/fog computing architectures.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations related to manufacturing and digital technologies.

Regular Associate Benefits

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks - opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs - that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You'll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword - it's part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates and takes affirmative action to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran.