Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer

Hydac International GmbH; Bethlehem (Clearfield County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan

Paid holidays

PTO

401k with company matching

Short term disability and life insurance

Pet insurance

Job summary

Hydac International GmbH is seeking a Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Engineer to support operations in both Birmingham, AL and Bethlehem, PA. The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies, focusing on optimizing processes and fostering operational excellence. Responsibilities include leading improvement projects, providing technical support to manufacturing, and training staff in CI methodologies. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and significant experience, particularly in CI/Lean roles. Comprehensive benefits include medical plans, PTO, and a 401k plan.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 5 years in a CI/Lean role with a proven history of implementing initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping.

Responsibilities

• Support all Lean activities in Birmingham and Bethlehem.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing departments.
• Analyze and evaluate current processes for improvements.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Continuous Improvement

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

HYDAC is a family‑owned and operated business with a vibrant and rewarding working environment for our employees across the country. Our goal is to provide quality products, components and services that meet our customer expectations while being committed to the protection and preservation of our environment. HYDAC’s passionate team designs and manufactures a comprehensive line of innovative and reliable solutions optimized any demand our customers require.

The Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer will combine hands‑on manufacturing engineering expertise with a focus on driving continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies. The ideal candidate will support production operations, optimize processes, lead improvement projects, and foster a culture of operational excellence across our Birmingham, Alabama and Bethlehem, PA facilities.

Responsibilities

• Supporting all Lean activities in Birmingham, Alabama, and Bethlehem, PA.
• Providing technical support to manufacturing departments to ensure design standards, quality, and cost targets are met.
• Developing and reviewing assembly methods, tooling drawings, floor layouts, and manufacturing cells.
• Establishing product acceptance criteria and support pre‑production runs.
• Collaborating with Materials and Quality teams to select vendors and develop work instructions and procedures.
• Analyzing and evaluating current processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop and execute improvement plans.
• Leading cross‑functional teams in process improvement projects, including facilitating meetings/workshops and communicating project updates.
• Training and coaching employees on CI methodologies, tools, and techniques.
• Ensuring that all projects and initiatives are aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Tracking and reporting on the progress of CI initiatives, including identifying and addressing any barriers to success.
• Collaborating with key stakeholders to drive cultural change and create a CI mindset throughout the organization.
• Identifying opportunities for automation, workflow optimization, and cost savings.
• Creating Value Stream Maps and other Lean documentation to visualize and improve processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Manufacturing Technology preferred). Experience will be considered.
• 5–7 years prior Manufacturing Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 5 years of experience in a CI/Lean role with a proven history of implementing Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Lean methodologies and tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, or Shop Floor Management.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, apply geometric dimensioning and tolerances (GD&T), and develop manufacturing layouts.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate with all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management certification (PMP or Prince2) a plus.
• Light 2D CAD knowledge.
• Experience as a Manufacturing/Production Engineer.
• Experience in factory planning and logistics.

Benefits

HYDAC offers employees a comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan, paid holidays, PTO, 401k with company matching, FSA account, short term disability and life insurance, and pet insurance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

HYDAC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.