Meyer Utility Structures is searching for a Director, Advanced Manufacturing, to support our Engineered Structures segment, based out of Fort Worth, TX or Tulsa, OK. The Director, Advanced Manufacturing, is a hands-on manufacturing engineering leader responsible for driving capital equipment projects, technology deployment, and new facility startups across a multi-plant metal manufacturing network. This role leads both greenfield plant launches and brownfield expansions, working in union and non-union environments. This position blends project management, industrial engineering, and operational leadership to deliver safe, efficient, and scalable manufacturing operations.
What You'll Do:Capital Projects & Equipment Deployment:- Lead capital project execution from concept through commissioning:
- Ensure that capex investments translate to measurable gross margin expansion and cost reduction
- Equipment specification, RFQs, vendor evaluation, and Capex justification
- Manage FAT/SAT, installation, and ramp-up of major equipment and production lines
- Develop plant layouts, material flow designs, and utilities planning
- Build ROI models tied to labor productivity, throughput, scrap reduction, and safety improvements
- Minimize cost overruns, change orders
- Manage phasing of cash outlays by month and quarter and coordinate changes with plants across the enterprise
- Report monthly on project capital performance and forecasts
New Plant Startups & Expansions:- Serve as technical lead for greenfield site launches and brownfield expansions
- Minimize ramp losses, under-absorption while accelerating time to profitability
- Develop launch schedules, ramp plans, staffing models, and training strategies
- Coordinate with construction, utilities, IT, maintenance, safety, quality, and operations teams
- Ensure production readiness prior to start of production (SOP)
Technology & Automation Strategy:- Identify and implement new manufacturing technologies including:
- Automation, robotics, CNC equipment, saw lines, roll-forming, press lines, finishing systems, and material handling
- Lead pilots, proof-of-concepts, and standardization across sites
- Deliver improved YOY throughput, yield, labor efficiency, lower downtime
- Drive digital manufacturing initiatives (MES, OEE, data capture, SPC, condition monitoring)
Industrial Engineering & Continuous Improvement- Perform time studies, line balancing, and capacity modeling
- Develop standard work, labor standards, PFMEAs, and control plans
- Participate in Lean manufacturing initiatives to improve safety, quality, and productivity
- Support union and non-union workforces through change management
Project & Stakeholder Leadership:- Build schedules, budgets, and risk registers
- Lead cross-functional teams across multiple internal plants and vendor partners
- Communicate progress, risks, and ROI to executive leadership
What You'll Need:- Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering
- 8+ years in heavy manufacturing or metal processing environments
- Demonstrated experience leading capital projects and plant startups
- Strong knowledge of:
- Metal forming, machining, fabrication, or structural product manufacturing
- Automation, robotics, PLCs, and industrial controls
- Strong financial and project management skills
- Greenfield startup leadership experience preferred
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred
- MS Project, Smartsheet, AutoCAD or Finario experience preferred.
