Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Lead Manufacturing Engineer
Santa Ana, CA - Candidate will be traveling 50% of the time to Richmond, VA
Pay: $70.00 - $73.00 per hour
26-08176
Job Summary

The Lead Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for leading manufacturing initiatives that improve productivity, product quality, cost efficiency, and manufacturing processes. This role supports the launch, commissioning, and scale-up of assembly operations while driving continuous improvement through lean manufacturing principles, process optimization, and engineering best practices. The position works closely with cross-functional teams to develop scalable manufacturing processes, implement engineering changes, and support production readiness.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing engineering activities supporting new product launches, production ramp-up, and assembly line commissioning.
• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Evaluate product designs for manufacturability and production readiness.
• Design and implement assembly line layouts, including semi-automated systems, flexible manufacturing cells, one-piece flow, and batch flow.
• Develop automated material handling solutions to improve material flow throughout manufacturing operations.
• Provide hands-on engineering support within a high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles, including standardized work, value stream mapping, and material flow optimization.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities using DMAIC and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Process and implement Engineering Change Notices (ECNs).
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including:
  • Work Instructions
  • Control Plans
  • Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (PFMEAs)
  • Process Validation Plans
• Train production personnel on manufacturing processes and standard work.
• Facilitate Value Stream Mapping (VSM) workshops and Kaizen events.
• Prepare capital equipment requests and support manufacturing equipment implementation.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to improve manufacturing performance.
• Support additional manufacturing engineering projects as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing engineering or technical manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting manufacturing launches, commissioning, or production scale-up.
• Experience designing or improving manufacturing assembly lines.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading root cause analysis and structured problem-solving using DMAIC or similar methodologies.
• Experience with Engineering Change Notices (ECNs).
• Knowledge of manufacturing process documentation, including work instructions, control plans, PFMEAs, and process validation.
• Ability to train production personnel on manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production preferred.
• Knowledge of queueing theory and discrete event simulation software (such as ARENA) preferred.
• Familiarity with APQP and PFMEA methodologies preferred.
• Ability to travel as required between Richmond, VA and Santa Ana, CA.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Master's degree in Engineering preferred.

About Equiliem

Equiliem believes in empowering success. It's our job to cultivate relationships that connect people and employers in a way that is inclusive, intelligent, and allows both to thrive.

Across the U.S., leading companies in healthcare, government, engineering, manufacturing, professional services, and energy rely on us for their workforce solutions. Our recruiting and HR services include contract and direct hire staffing, Payrolling/EOR, Independent Contractor Compliance, and Managed Services.

For almost 30 years, we've helped shape our industry. Today, we continue to research, ask questions, and continuously enhance the candidate journey and client experience.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees, which includes:

• Medical Insurance
• Vision & Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Matching 401(k)
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Discounts & Rewards
• Payroll Payment Options

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