Manager, Manufacturing Process Engineer

Nikkiso Co.; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Nikkiso ACD, LLC in Santa Ana, CA, is seeking a Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing and 5S Leader to drive plant-wide process improvements and standardization. You will guide teams in applying Six Sigma, Lean, 5S, Gemba and Kaizen methods to improve safety, quality and productivity.

The role focuses on leading the development of manufacturing travelers, work instructions, and process documentation, ensuring sustainable actions across the factory workforce.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or process improvement with leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive measurable improvements.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Visio).

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations and drive Lean/5S adoption.
• Guide teams using Six Sigma, Lean, 5S, Gemba, QRM, VSM and Kaizen events.
• Oversee development and maintenance of travelers, work instructions, and released work orders.
• Partner with Engineering, EHS, Facility Maintenance and Operations to improve workflow and productivity.
• Manage documentation of processes to support training, standardization and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional communication

Project planning

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering

Tools

ACAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Company Overview

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gasesis a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikkiso ACD is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in machinery designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as – 420 degrees Fahrenheit, the boiling point of Liquid hydrogen. For over 50 years, Nikkiso ACD has specialized in centrifugal and reciprocating pumps as well as turbines for air separation. Nikkiso ACD has the most diversified product line in the industry covering nearly every application requiring pumps or turboexpanders.

This position is based at Nikkiso ACD, LLC, located in Santa Ana, CA.

Job Overview

Position Summary:

• Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and 5S Leadership – Will lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations, driving product cell development, standardization, team capability building, and sustained adoption of Lean and 5S practices.
• To be successful in this role, the manager will guide teams in the use of industry-standard and state-of-the-art continuous improvement tools and problem-solving techniques, including Six Sigma, Lean, 5S, Gemba, Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM), Value Stream Mapping, and Kaizen events.
• Methods of Manufacture – Oversee the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing travelers, work instructions, workflow sequences, and released work orders throughout the factory. Lead CAPA teams and ensure root cause analysis and corrective actions are completed effectively and sustainably.
• Plant / Facility Layout – Partner with Engineering, EHS, Facility Maintenance, and Operations teams to improve workflow, material flow, safety, productivity, and overall manufacturing efficiency across the operation.
• Technical Writing and Process Standardization – Manage the development, review, and implementation of work instructions, procedures, and process documentation to support Manufacturing Engineering, training, compliance, and operational consistency.

The manager will ensure each area documents its processes for training, reference, standardization, and continuous improvement, while reinforcing accountability for consistent execution across the manufacturing organization.

Responsibilities

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent; advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or process improvement, including prior leadership or management responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage priorities, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Visio.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to lead manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or process improvement teams in a complex manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of ACAD and / or SolidWorks for reviewing and communicating engineering concepts, tools, fixtures, and manufacturing layouts
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing materials, processes, and practices consistent with Nikkiso ACD centrifugal and reciprocating pump products and cryogenic industry requirements
• Experience overseeing machining, fabrication, casting, forging, welding, and assembly processes involving bronze alloy, aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless steel
• Proven leadership in Lean Manufacturing, problem solving, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives
• Strong project planning, project management, prioritization, and cross-functional communication skills
• Experience developing supplier improvement strategies and partnering with Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations teams
• Ability to direct time studies, capacity analysis, labor standards, machining / assembly / processing evaluations, and related productivity improvement activities
• Experience leading the development, formatting, approval, and management of procedures and work instructions
• Understanding of focus factory layouts, cellular manufacturing, workflow optimization, material flow, and visual management systems

Pay Range: $100K-$140k

EEOC Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Nikkiso is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.