Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor

Kaman Corporation; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor to lead a dynamic team in enhancing manufacturing capabilities. This role involves mentoring engineers, overseeing production processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will collaborate closely with operations and quality assurance teams to elevate product quality and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in manufacturing engineering and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and teamwork, and make a significant impact on the manufacturing landscape.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience required.
• Experience leading high performance teams and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing methods and processes.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor a team of Machinists and Manufacturing Engineers.
• Implement and monitor Manufacturing Engineering and Machine Shop KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and troubleshoot production issues.

Skills

Manufacturing Engineering

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Statistical Analysis

GD&T Interpretation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

10 years' experience in a similar technical environment

6-Sigma Green or Black Belt certification

Tools

ERP/MRP Systems

PLM/PDM Systems

3D modeling software (Solidworks/Inventor)

Statistical analysis software

Job description

19650 Pauling, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610, USA

Job Description

Posted Monday, April 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor

To supervise and mentor a team of Machinists and Manufacturing Engineers to support defined initiatives and to develop partnerships with all functions of BSE Operations, with the primary function to improve overall manufacturing capabilities through DFM and Continuous Improvement projects. This position is needed to lead, and expand the capabilities of the Bal Seal Engineering (BSE) Machine Shop and manage Manufacturing priorities. Candidates will schedule, set resource priorities, and manage personnel. This is a typical Manufacturing Engineering role that requires a “hands-on” approach to actively support day to day production needs such as resolving production issues, reviewing Bills of Materials, Routers, costing, Engineering Change Orders and Engineering Orders. To implement process improvement, as well as sustaining and development initiatives (including tools, jigs, fixtures and manual machines). The incumbent will look for continuous improvement opportunities and support projects focused on the maintenance, upgrading, specification of, and installation of machines and equipment.

• Accountable for providing leadership and direction to the Manufacturing Engineering and Machine Shop teams
• Develop, manage, mentor and evaluate employee performance throughout the year
• Development of resource plans to support Key Objectives, Initiatives & production goals
• Communicate and interface regularly with key stakeholders and employees throughout the BSE organization
• Closely partner with Operations and Quality Assurance to improve overall process capability and quality of manufactured components and assemblies
• Provide a “bridge” between Production and Engineering functions
• Implement, monitor, develop and improve Manufacturing Engineering and Machine Shop KPIs
• Establish and manage inventory of spare parts for equipment in the Machine Shop
• Mentor lower-level engineers and serve as a resource to share knowledge with the engineering team and the rest of the company
• Review designs for manufacturability and cost (DFM/A)
• Responsible for design and/or sourcing, validation, and qualification of new manufacturing equipment
• Review and Interpretation of engineering drawings per ASME Y14.5
• Ability to drive to root cause, provide short and long-term corrective solutions
• Develop and support CI Initiatives
• Provide troubleshooting assistance and support for Engineering and Operations as necessary
• May be required to establish routings, BoMs, processes, layouts, tools, costs, and labor standards for manufacturing processes. Development of supporting documentation including PFMEAs, drawings, work instructions, procedures, tools/jigs/fixtures, and processes to support new product introduction. Documentation of legacy production equipment and "tribal knowledge" processes
• May be required to review, initiate and assess Engineering Change Orders, Engineering Orders, drawing and process deviations
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical degree
• Other technical qualifications and/or a demonstrated minimum 10 years' experience in a similar technical environment may be considered
• 6-Sigma Green or Black Belt certification desired

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience
• Minimum 3 years’ experience leading high performance teams
• Experience leading large cross-functional Continuous Improvement / Lean initiatives, developing and implementing Process Capability studies
• Experience interfacing with ERP/MRP and PLM/PDM Systems
• Experience with assembly or manufacturing shop floor
• Experience overseeing and approving DFMA reviews and approval of engineering drawings
• Experience with machining small and medium sized precision components made from a variety of polymers and metals preferred
• Experience with Laser welding processes and techniques a plus
• Experience with 3D modeling software Solidworks and/or Inventor preferred
• Experience working with suppliers to improve processes and/or understand and document industry standards

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working Knowledge of GD&T interpretation and implementation per ASME Y14.5
• Base knowledge in inspection tools and methods
• In depth knowledge of Manufacturing Methods and Processes
• Working knowledge of statistical process control, ability to understand and utilize statistical analysis software a plus
• Ability to effectively and safely utilize various hand and power tools
• Knowledge of machine elements (i.e. fasteners, bearings, gear and belt drive etc.)
• Must be able to work in a highly collaborative environment
• Must be hands on and interface with plant personnel and operators
• Ability to identify and solve problems with little direction or assistance
• Ability to utilize ERP/MRP and PLM/PDM systems
• Working knowledge of and ability to utilize CAD systems
• Proficiency in conflict resolution
• Base knowledge of metallurgy (i.e. material strength, hardness, machinability, heat treatment processes)
• Strong computer and analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Up to 5% travel required to BSE facilities and/or trade shows

Physical Requirements:

• Employee is occasionally required to stand
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk throughout the facility
• This position is mainly sedentary; Therefore, required to sit
• Occasionally will need to bend, stoop and squat
• Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Required to reach with hands and arms to handle documents and products
• Must be able to enter data into a computer by use of a keyboard and mouse
• The work environment conditions are typical of a manufacturing environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the basic functions. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to moderate, however, hearing protection may be required if employee enters high noise areas as a part of their normal job duties.

Kaman Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veteran and Affirmative Action Employer

Kaman Corporation considers for employment and hires qualified candidates without regard to age, religion, sexual orientation, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law. Kaman Corporation and all of its related companies fully endorse equal opportunity for all. Kaman provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures and/or process. Please inform us if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Many positions at Kaman require access to information or technology that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). For ITAR and EAR purposes, U.S. persons include U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents, as well as asylees and refugees. The ITAR and/or EAR may limit access rights for non-US Persons or other unauthorized individuals. Kaman reserves the right to require candidates and employees to provide proof of citizenship, nationality and/or immigration status to determine ITAR and EAR compliance requirements.

19650 Pauling, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610, USA