FlexSteel - Manufacturing Engineering Manager

About the role

This is a FlexSteel position and is located in Baytown, TX. Full time onsite position. FlexSteel (www.flexsteelpipe.com) is an innovation driven flexible pipe technology company. The Company comprises a hard-working, driven and dedicated team united by a commitment to Human Development, Quality, Delivery, Innovation and Productivity Excellence in all we do. The culture of FlexSteel can be described as energetic and passionate, which is felt daily throughout the company. FlexSteel embodies teamwork with a focus on hiring top talent and developing employees.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the manufacturing engineering team; set priorities, coach performance, and support training and career development.
• Own process capability and stability for assigned production areas; establish standards to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean / Six Sigma tools (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, standard work, SPC) to eliminate waste and increase throughput.
• Lead technical problem solving (root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions) for process and equipment-related issues impacting safety, quality, and productivity.
• Partner with Quality to ensure robust control plans, PFMEA, inspection methods, and nonconformance disposition processes are in place and effective.
• Lead new product/process introduction activities including DFM/DFA, tooling/equipment selection, process validation, and production readiness reviews.
• Manage capital projects: develop business cases, define scope, coordinate vendors, execute installation/commissioning, and track cost/schedule performance.
• Establish and maintain process documentation including SOPs, work instructions, routings, and bill of materials (BOM) accuracy in the ERP system.
• Develop and maintain capacity models, labor standards, time studies, and line balancing; support production planning and staffing decisions.
• Support maintenance and operations with equipment reliability improvements, preventive maintenance optimization, and spare parts / criticality strategies.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives (scrap reduction, yield improvement, cycle-time reduction, material utilization) without compromising compliance or product integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience, including 2+ years in a leadership/supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean / continuous improvement initiatives and delivering measurable results (scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost).
• Proficiency with CAD tools and ERP/MRP systems; strong process documentation and data analysis skills.
• Strong leadership, project management, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Mix of office and shop floor.
• May involve occasional travel to suppliers or other company sites.
• Requires frequent hands-on interaction with equipment, operators, and shop floor conditions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises manufacturing engineering personnel and may provide technical directions to cross-functional project teams.
• Responsible for hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and development planning for direct reports.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience, including 2+ years in a leadership/supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean / continuous improvement initiatives and delivering measurable results (scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost).
• Proficiency with CAD tools and ERP/MRP systems; strong process documentation and data analysis skills.
• Strong leadership, project management, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Mix of office and shop floor.
• May involve occasional travel to suppliers or other company sites.
• Requires frequent hands-on interaction with equipment, operators, and shop floor conditions.

Physical Demands

• Sit for extended periods at a desk and work on a computer.
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Talk and hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Walk or stand periodically throughout the day.
• Maintain sustained concentration on computer screens.
• Work under deadlines with frequent interruptions.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.
• This position generally operates in a professional office environment.
• The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
• Sit for extended periods at a desk and work on a computer.
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Talk and hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Walk or stand periodically throughout the day.
• Maintain sustained concentration on computer screens.
• Work under deadlines with frequent interruptions.

Safety Requirements

• This position generally operates may occasionally be in an industrial/field environment.
• The role requires working in and around manufacturing equipment, heavy machinery, and potentially hazardous materials.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee:
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Follow all safety protocols and procedures.
• Participate in regular safety training.
• Complete required safety certifications.
• Comply with all environmental regulations.