Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Equiliem; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision & Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Matching 401(k)

Commuter Benefits

Employee Discounts & Rewards

Payroll Payment Options

Job summary

Equiliem seeks a Lead Manufacturing Engineer in Santa Ana, CA, with 50% travel to Richmond, VA, to drive manufacturing initiatives that boost productivity, quality, and cost efficiency. You will lead launches, commissioning, and scale-up of assembly operations, applying lean principles and continuous improvement to ensure production readiness.

The role requires strong cross-functional collaboration, expertise in process optimization, and the ability to manage engineering changes while developing

Qualifications

• Minimum 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.
• Ability to travel as required between Richmond, VA and Santa Ana, CA.

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.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities using DMAIC and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including Work Instructions, Control Plans, PFMEAs, and Process Validation Plans.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

DMAIC

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Train production personnel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

ARENA

Job description

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

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

Future Communication Consent

By applying, you are providing consent for Equiliem to engage with you via phone calls, AI-generated calls, AI-generated text messages, standard text messages, and/or emails to share job opportunities. Consistent with our Privacy Policy, information obtained will not be shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes. Message frequency may vary for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You may reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance.

EEO Employer

Equiliem is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Equiliem will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at [emailprotected] or [phone].