Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

HYDAC is a family-owned and operated business with a vibrant and rewarding working environment. Our goal is to provide quality products, components, and services that meet customer expectations while being committed to environmental protection and preservation. The Manufacturing Engineer will combine hands-on manufacturing engineering expertise with a focus on driving continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies. This role supports production operations, optimizes processes, leads improvement projects, and fosters a culture of operational excellence across our Birmingham, Alabama and Bethlehem, PA facilities.

Responsibilities

• Support all Lean activities in Birmingham, Alabama, and Bethlehem, PA.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing departments to ensure design standards, quality, and cost targets are met.
• Develop and review assembly methods, tooling drawings, floor layouts, and manufacturing cells.
• Establish product acceptance criteria and support pre-production runs.
• Collaborate with Materials and Quality teams to select vendors and develop work instructions and procedures.
• Analyze and evaluate current processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop and execute improvement plans.
• Lead cross-functional teams in process improvement projects, including facilitating meetings/workshops and communicating project updates.
• Train and coach employees on Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies, tools, and techniques.
• Ensure that all projects and initiatives are aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Track and report on the progress of CI initiatives, including identifying and addressing any barriers to success.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to drive cultural change and create a CI mindset throughout the organization.
• Identify opportunities for automation, workflow optimization, and cost savings.
• Create Value Stream Maps and other Lean documentation to visualize and improve processes.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Manufacturing Technology preferred). Experience will be considered.
• 5–7 years prior Manufacturing Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 5 years of experience in a CI/Lean role with a proven history of implementing Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Lean methodologies and tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, or Shop Floor Management.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, apply geometric dimensioning and tolerances (GD&T), and develop manufacturing layouts.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate with all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management certification (PMP or Prince2) a plus.
• Light 2D CAD knowledge.
• Experience as a Manufacturing/Production Engineer.
• Experience in factory planning and logistics.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan.
• Paid holidays and PTO.
• 401k with company matching.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Short-term disability and life insurance.
• Pet insurance.