Job TitleManufacturing Engineering & Continuous Improvement ManagerDepartmentManufacturing Engineering & Quality
Reports ToManufacturing Engineering & Quality Director
Role SummaryThe
Manufacturing Engineering & Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for designing, optimizing, and continuously improving manufacturing processes in a modular construction environment. This role leads the deployment of
Lean / TPS-based manufacturing systems, drives productivity, quality, safety, and cost improvements, and ensures scalable, repeatable processes across production lines.
The position requires a strong balance of
technical manufacturing engineering,
hands-on continuous improvement leadership, and
cross-functional collaboration with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Programming, and Supply Chain.
Key ResponsibilitiesManufacturing Process Engineering- Design and optimize process flow, layouts, capacity models, takt time, and standard work for modular construction lines (wood and/or steel).
- Support new and existing production lines by improving throughput, labor efficiency, and equipment utilization.
- Lead manufacturing engineering support for new product introductions and line expansions.
- Ensure manufacturing processes are robust, repeatable, and capable of meeting quality and delivery targets.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Deployment- Lead the site Continuous Improvement (CI) roadmap, aligning initiatives with business priorities.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing and TPS principles, including:
- Value Stream Mapping
- Kaizen events
- Waste elimination (Scrap, Motion, Waiting, Overprocessing, etc.)
- Manage a structured Kaizen pipeline and track financial and operational benefits.
- Drive cost reduction initiatives with measurable ROI.
Visual Management & Tier System- Deploy and sustain visual management systems, including Tier boards and KPI dashboards.
- Support daily management routines such as Tier meetings and Gemba walks.
- Ensure key metrics (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Productivity) are visible, accurate, and actionable.
Productivity, Quality & Process Capability- Improve process capability through:
- Cycle time reduction
- Standardization
- Error-proofing (Poka-Yoke)
- Workstation and material flow optimization
- Partner with Quality and Engineering to implement quality checkpoints, control plans, and problem-solving practices.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality, safety, and productivity issues.
Standardization & Documentation- Lead the creation and deployment of:
- Standard Work
- Operator Work Instructions (OWIs)
- Setup standards
- Preventive maintenance standards
- Support and audit 5S implementation across manufacturing areas.
- Ensure standards are embedded, trained, and audited routinely.
People & Cross-Functional Leadership- Act as a technical and CI mentor to engineers, analysts, and production leaders.
- Collaborate closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Programming, and Supply Chain.
- Influence change on the shop floor through data-driven decisions and strong communication.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering and/or continuous improvement roles.
- Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing / TPS in a production environment.
- Strong understanding of process flow, capacity planning, standard work, and CI tools.
- Hands-on experience in a factory setting; comfortable working on the shop floor.
Preferred- Experience in modular construction, building products, or assembly processes in continuous lines.
- Experience with automated equipment, CNC/nailing systems, or high-mix production.
- Strong financial acumen with demonstrated ROI from CI projects.
Key Competencies- Results-driven and execution-focused
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to lead change and influence without authority
- Excellent communication across all organizational levels
- Structured, data-driven, and detail-oriented while maintaining a big-picture view
Performance Expectations- Measurable improvements in productivity, cost, quality, and delivery
- Sustained Lean systems, not one-time events
- High engagement and participation in CI activities
- Clear financial ROI on engineering and CI initiatives
Salary Range: $140,000 to $165,000
