Manufacturing Engineer

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Michigan City (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Global Air Power US is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer in Michigan City, IN to directly support manufacturing under the Industrial Engineering Manager. You will study and improve processes, implement Lean methods, create project plans, and help drive cost reductions while ensuring manufacturing readiness for new products.

You will develop layouts, tool requirements, and work instructions, participate in root-cause analysis, and mentor junior engineers as part of a dynamic manufacturing

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
• Professional experience: 1-10 years of experience in manufacturing preferred.
• 10 years+ experience in manufacturing or related field to qualify for a senior level role.

Responsibilities

• Directly support manufacturing under the supervision of the Industrial Engineering Manager.
• Study and improve manufacturing processes and procedures aimed at improving productivity and lowering manufacturing costs.
• Support Lean manufacturing principles, i.e., 6S, 5 Whys, Kaizen, VSM, Mistake Proofing, Standard Work, etc.
• Create and improve manufacturing documentation, methods, processes, and technologies throughout Operations.
• Develop process plans and implementation, tooling and fixture requirements, and troubleshoot manufacturing processes.
• Develop cost estimates, conduct time studies, establish labor standards, and provide technical support to the shop floor.
• Support capital equipment specification, justification, and implementation.
• Develop floor layouts for existing and future projects/processes in AutoCAD.
• Develop designs for returnable racks, fixtures, tools, workstations, and material presentation.
• Participate in root cause analysis of quality and build issues.
• Participate in new product launches by working with NPD team for manufacturing readiness.
• Plan operations sequences and write Work Center Instructions and standard work.
• Provide make-versus-buy analyses on products and processes.
• Perform capacity, staffing, line balancing, and factory layout analyses.
• Support continuous improvement and digitization initiatives.
• Participate in Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) On the Fly.
• Audit and approve product engineering releases; mentor IE staff.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Kaizen

VSM

Poka Yoke

DMAIC

6 Sigma Green/Black

CAD/CAM

Line Balancing

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

UG/NX

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Michigan City, Indiana, United States

Job ID: R0147012

Date Posted: 2026-10-01

Company Name: HITACHI GLOBAL AIR POWER US, LLC

Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

Job title

Manufacturing Engineer

Location

Michigan City, Indiana

At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

The Company

We build the machines that power industry. We are Hitachi Global Air Power, a leading global industrial compressed air manufacturer driving the innovations that keep the world moving. From our headquarters in Michigan City, Indiana, our compressed air solutions power manufacturing operations all around the globe; from food and beverage to life‑saving pharmaceuticals and cutting‑edge semiconductor chips. Our portable compressors provide the air power to build roads and bridges, lay pipelines and aid in oil and gas mining and production. We are a team of innovators, engineers, and quality experts with a shared vision to create the next generation of efficient, environment‑forward compressed air solutions that meet the demands of today, while boldly contributing to a sustainable, circular economy. With more than 60 years of legacy and trusted performance through our brands - Hitachi, Sullair, and Champion (Australia), we are proud of our reputation for reliability, durability, and performance and groundbreaking engineering. Join us in building a future where your work has an impact. At Hitachi Global Air Power, you’ll be part of a global network that’s shaping the future of industrial power.

Summary of the position

This role is meant for an outgoing and aggressive individual who can juggle multiple tasks and cope with the associated pressures. The expectation is that all ME/Design activities will integrate (SQDCM) EH&S, Quality, Delivery, Product Cost and Inventory goals into their daily tasks and projects.

Duties and responsibilities

• Directly support manufacturing under the supervision of the Industrial Engineering Manager.


• Study and improve manufacturing processes and procedures aimed at improving productivity and lowering manufacturing costs.


• Support tactical and strategic goals and objectives through the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles, i.e., 6S, 5 Whys, Kaizen, VSM, Mistake Proofing, Standard Work, etc.


• Create and improve manufacturing documentation, methods, processes, and technologies throughout Operations.


• Develop process plans and implementation, tooling and fixture requirements, and troubleshoot manufacturing processes.


• Develop cost estimates, conduct time studies, establish labor standards, and provide technical support to the shop floor.


• Support the specification, justification, and implementation of capital equipment.


• Develop floor layouts for existing and future projects/processes in AutoCAD.


• Develop designs for returnable racks, fixtures, tools, workstations, and material presentation.


• Participate in and lead root cause analysis of quality and build issues within assigned manufacturing areas of responsibility.


• Participate in new product launches by working hand-in-hand with the NPD team to ensure manufacturing readiness.


• Plan the sequence of operations and write/maintain Work Center Instructions and standard work for assigned areas.


• Provide make-versus-buy analyses on products and processes.


• Perform capacity, staffing, line balancing, and factory layout analyses to support business demand and improve labor utilization.


• Support continuous improvement and manufacturing digitization initiatives that improve productivity, quality, material flow, and operational efficiency.


• Participate in and conduct Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) On the Fly as required to detect and correct potential safety issues on the shop floor.


• Audit and approve product engineering releases for new and current products and processes.


• Provide direction and mentoring to IE Associates, IE Interns, and other less‑experienced team members as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Industrial Engineering.


• Professional experience: 1-10 years of experience in manufacturing preferred.


• 10 years+ experience in manufacturing or related field to qualify for a senior level role.


• Exposure to engineering change order documentation and qualification for operations.


• Knowledge of manufacturing concepts.


• Demonstrate strong abilities in Lean Manufacturing concepts and techniques (Lean tools, Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizan, DMAIC, Poka Yoke), etc.


• 6 Sigma Green/Black belt certification a plus.


• Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) exposure.


• Strong Experience in CAD/CAM (Desirable UG/NX).


• Solid Line Balancing/Precision assembly in a manufacturing environment.


• Operations experience a plus.


• Project management experience is a plus.


• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

Key behaviors

• Good analytical skills; should be detail oriented.


• Ability to adapt and implement modern technology quickly.


• Flexible with hours to support operation and new product launches.


• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) required.


• Strong leadership skills required.


• Strong computer skills required.


• Ability to work in a team and meet deadlines.


• Candidate must be self‑directed, a self‑starter and be able to multi‑task and prioritize.


• Enthusiastic, cooperative, and positive behavior.

Direct reports

N/A

Compliance and Safety

The successful candidate is responsible for complying with Hitachi Global Air Power US Code of Ethics and related policies. In performing the job, the incumbent shall take all steps necessary to comply with our safety rules and requirements and must actively support the organization’s efforts to meet and exceed its goals of creating and maintaining a safe workplace. This description is to serve as a guide. It is intended to be flexible and will continue to evolve over time with business needs and demands and may be updated periodically and at the Company’s discretion.

Hitachi Global Air Power US is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate based on race, religion, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or other protected categories under applicable law, whether in recruitment, employment, promotion, transfer, compensation, or other conditions of employment.

About Hitachi

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

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