Director, Advanced Manufacturing

Arcosa Inc.; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Meyer Utility Structures, a subsidiary of Arcosa, seeks a Director, Advanced Manufacturing, to lead capital projects and plant startups across a multi-plant metal manufacturing network in the US. The role focuses on technology deployment, factory start-ups, and continuous improvement in both union and non-union environments.

The position requires a hands‑on engineering leader with a strong background in industrial, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering, plus 8+ years in heavy manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering (required).
• 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.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred, MS Project/Smartsheet/AutoCAD/Finario experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital project execution from concept through commissioning, with emphasis on ROI and cost reduction.
• Develop plant layouts, material flow designs, and utilities planning across multiple sites.
• Lead new plant startups and brownfield expansions, coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Drive automation strategy including robotics, CNC equipment, and MES/DAS improvements.
• Provide project leadership and reporting to executives on progress and ROI.

Skills

Leadership

Capital projects

Industrial engineering

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

AutoCAD

Finario

Job description

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.

Meyer Utility Structures is a proud subsidiary of the infrastructure company, Arcosa, Inc. We commit to and pride ourselves on providing reliable structures, superior service, and product solutions. Meyer Utility Structures is an industry leader in the engineering design and fabrication of concrete and tubular steel structures for transmission, distribution, and substation applications.

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.