Manufacturing Systems Engineer, CNC Programming & Plant Layouts

Job Description

Job Description

Are you the engineer operators call first?

Do you thrive toggling between the shop floor and the office—supporting machining and assembly, programming CNCs, and architecting layouts and automation that elevate safety, quality, and throughput? If yes, HYCO Alabama wants to meet you.

This position DOES NOT offer relocation assistance.

About the role

You’ll be the primary resource for operators seeking higher productivity and efficiency. You will design processes, tune quality controls, ensure regulatory compliance, analyze costs and schedules, and lead projects from milestone setting to post‑mortem—while building an automation roadmap with SMEs and best practices research.

What you will do

• Create and refine manufacturing processes that balance safety, efficiency, and quality.
• Evaluate production systems and streamline workflows to reduce cost while maintaining product standards.
• Assess and improve quality control methodologies.
• Analyze production data, schedules, and methods; deliver clear reports for future planning and capacity needs.
• Ensure processes comply with all applicable laws/regulations.
• Review labor, material, and production costs; align with schedules and demand to guide decisions.
• Design workflow, equipment placement, and space utilization to optimize efficiency.
• Establish long- and short-term project plans with defined milestones and deadlines.
• Set success criteria; recommend best options when multiple solutions are viable.
• Serve as the coordination hub when multiple units contribute to a project.
• Adjust schedules/targets as priorities or financing change.
• Run post-project reviews and write recommendation reports.
• Develop plant automation solutions (hardware/software) and deliver an integrated capability roadmap.
• Oversee product construction/testing for efficient, effective completion.
• Collaborate with SMEs to implement a scalable process automation framework.
• Research internal and external trends/best practices to elevate automation plans.
• Work closely with manufacturing engineering, production, and assembly to uphold design and quality standards.
• Keep safety front and center—always.

What you bring

• Proven ability to develop plant layouts that enable efficient flow.
• On-time delivery mentality with strong organizational and planning skills.
• Familiarity with drawing systems such as AutoCad or Visio.
• Problem-solving persistence to carry projects across the finish line.
• Knowledge of standard work, time studies, and Lean principles.
• Experience collaborating with and leading cross-functional problem-solving teams.
• Clear communication with operators, supervisors, and leadership.
• Understanding of tooling applications that cut cycle time and maintain required specifications.
• Knowledge of machine designs and applications.
• Experience creating and updating routers for production.
• CNC programming experience required ; knowledge of FeatureCam is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• At least three years of engineering experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated application of Lean Manufacturing, including standard work and time studies to measure improvements.

Tools you’ll touch

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Automation Solutions (Fanuc, Haas, Okuma, Makino)
• Robotic Welder
• CAD Software (AutoCAD, Solidworks, Solid Edge)

Core proficiency

You should be proficient in:

• Equipment Troubleshooting

Equal Employment Opportunity

HYCO Alabama is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.