Manager, Manufacturing Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement

Picture this: it’s Monday morning on the HYCO Alabama production floor. You’re walking the line with design engineers and production leads, reviewing a new cell layout you and your team modeled last week. A supplier call is on deck to discuss tooling updates, a launch readiness huddle follows, and later you’ll brief senior leadership on performance trends and cost-to-serve improvements. As Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you orchestrate the systems, standards, and people that turn great designs into safe, scalable production.

What you’ll do

• Design and roll out robust manufacturing processes that boost efficiency, reduce cost, enhance sustainability, and maximize profitability.
• Lead, mentor, and prioritize the work of a high-performing manufacturing engineering team to deliver projects smoothly and on schedule.
• Establish and refine shop-floor procedures, work standards, and best practices to keep operations running reliably.
• Plan and optimize lean manufacturing cells using proven systems, simulation tools, and data-driven analysis.
• Estimate and track production costs, effectiveness, and overall efficiency to guide decision-making.
• Oversee maintenance strategies for production and facility machinery—driving timely repair, replacement, and uptime improvements.
• Implement quality and productivity initiatives that raise first-pass yield and throughput.
• Partner with design engineering and manufacturing teams to execute new product introductions and production launches.
• Ensure adherence to industry safety, design standards, and regulatory guidelines.
• Create operating budgets, manage spend, and deliver against financial targets.
• Stay current on manufacturing technologies and systems to continually modernize processes.
• Compile, analyze, and present manufacturing performance reports for senior management.
• Continuously identify bottlenecks and implement process enhancements across the value stream.
• Champion a safety-first culture and verify that procedures are followed at all times.

What you bring

• Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, systems, and enabling technologies that drive reliable, high-quality output.
• People leadership that builds capability, fosters collaboration, and supports career growth.
• Budget and resource management expertise with fluency in end-to-end manufacturing systems.
• Full-lifecycle project management skills—concept through launch—delivered on time and within budget.
• Advanced problem-solving to diagnose production issues and deploy durable fixes.
• Clear, persuasive communication across operators, peers, and executives.
• Strategic planning and sound decision-making with measurable objectives and roadmaps.
• Financial acumen to analyze trade-offs, justify investments, and manage costs.
• Strong grasp of standards, safety regulations, and quality control frameworks.
• Technical aptitude with tools such as AutoCAD or Visio and related manufacturing technologies.
• Tooling know-how that shortens cycle times while maintaining strict quality requirements.
• Ability to engage effectively with operators, supervisors, and leadership at all levels.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, including 2+ years leading projects, teams, and strategic initiatives.
• Practical application of Lean Manufacturing, value stream mapping, and standard work; experience conducting time studies to verify improvements.
• Proficiency in developing plant layouts for optimal material flow and throughput.
• Track record of meeting deadlines with strong organizational and planning skills.
• Familiarity with drawing systems such as AutoCAD or Visio; experience with CAD tools and data analysis platforms.
• Up-to-date knowledge of manufacturing best practices and industry standards.
• Proven leadership and project management capability.
• Excellent problem-solving and decisive judgment under pressure.
• Effective communicator across all organizational levels.
• Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Core proficiencies

• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Machine Setups for Production Runs

Equal 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.