Head of CNC Manufacturing Engineering & Operations

Toyota Racing Development - USA; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 306,000; Full time

Job summary

Toyota Racing Development - USA seeks a hands‑on leader to run a complex, metrics‑driven manufacturing operation producing elite race engine components and commercial parts. You will lead with a floor‑first mindset while steering long‑term strategy across Manufacturing Engineering, Production Control, and Quality Control.

You will manage ~40 professionals, drive process definition, scheduling, inspection, and the deployment of automation and AI tools.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in high‑precision, automated, 5‑axis CNC environments.
• 5+ years in leadership.
• Hands‑on experience with process definition/optimization, production scheduling, and inspection.
• OEE‑driven operator with a data‑centric mindset.
• Advanced expertise in complex, tight‑tolerance, 5‑axis high‑speed milling.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP and shop‑floor systems.
• History of leading 40+ across multiple groups.
• Experience with AI‑assisted tools (LLMs for analysis).
• Billet/forging/casting manufacturing experience.
• Advanced Excel and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead a ~40‑person organization across multiple functions including engineering, production and QA.
• Direct Manufacturing Engineering: define full processes; advanced CNC programming; tooling/fixturing; methods for tight tolerances.
• Direct Production Control: schedule and execute two workstreams; meet OEE ≥80% on 18+ 5‑axis CNC machines.
• Direct Quality Control: promote inspection culture with internal teams and suppliers to raise quality.
• Shape capital strategy: equipment ROI, capital justifications, facilities and staffing planning.
• Deploy technology: automation, robotics, and AI‑assisted tools to boost efficiency and capability.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Planning/Purchasing, Design Engineering, Race Engine Build, Commercial Assembly, EHS.
• Travel up to 10% to TRD facilities and motorsports events.

Skills

5-axis CNC

Leadership

Process optimization

Production scheduling

Inspection

ERP/MRP

High-precision milling

AI-assisted tools

Education

Bachelor’s in Engineering or Operations Management

Master’s preferred

Tools

HyperMill

Creo

Vericut

Job description

Own the operation. Elevate the standard. Win as one.TRD seeks a hands‑on leader to run a complex, metrics‑driven manufacturing operation producing both elite race engine components and commercial parts.Your mandateLead with a floor‑first mindset: “see, touch, feel” the work daily while steering long‑term strategy.Direct Manufacturing Engineering: full process definition, advanced CNC programming, tooling/fixturing, and methods for tight‑tolerance, full 5‑axis components.Direct Production Control: schedule and execute across two workstreams — low‑volume, high‑precision race parts and higher‑volume commercial parts — hitting schedule and OEE ≥80% on 18+ high‑precision, 5‑axis CNC machines.Direct Quality Control: instill an inspection culture that supports internal teams and global suppliers to raise component quality.Shape capital strategy: evaluate/select equipment; build ROI and capital justifications; plan facilities and staffing.Deploy technology: automation, robotics, and AI‑assisted tools to amplify efficiency, quality, and capability.Partner cross‑functionally: Planning/Purchasing, Design Engineering, Race Engine Build, Commercial Assembly, and EHS on safety matters affecting manufacturing.Team leadershipLead a ~40‑member organization, from postgraduate engineers to shop‑floor technicians, including managing managers across functions.QualificationsBachelor’s in Engineering or Operations Management (Master’s preferred).10+ years in high‑precision, automated, 5‑axis CNC environments; 5+ years in leadership.Hands‑on experience with process definition/optimization, production scheduling, and inspection.OEE‑driven operator with a data‑centric mindset.Advanced expertise in complex, tight‑tolerance, 5‑axis high‑speed milling.Proficiency with ERP/MRP and shop‑floor systems.History of leading 40+ across multiple groups.PreferredHyperMill proficiency strongly preferred; Creo and Vericut a plus.Experience with AI‑assisted tools (LLMs for analysis, documentation, process improvement).Billet/forging/casting manufacturing experience.Advanced Excel and MS Office.Fixture/tooling design, machining, and assembly.Building complex schedules for mixed‑volume, mixed‑complexity operations.Travel and payUp to 10% travel to TRD facilities and motorsports events.Annual base range: $176,400.00 – $305,800.00.Why TRDWe are collaborative, respectful, and relentlessly innovative. Join a team building the future of mobility and motorsports engineering.Important informationTo save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time.Belonging at ToyotaApplicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.