Production Systems Engineer

HL Mando America Corporation; Opelika (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

HL Mando America Corporation in Opelika, Alabama, seeks an experienced HPS Engineer to lead the Halla Production System implementation and CI projects across the plant.

The role emphasizes lean leadership, project management, and delivering measurable gains in cost, quality, and throughput, with coaching across teams and no direct reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or equivalent.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in project management and CI/lean.
• Experience in automotive high-volume manufacturing.
• Six Sigma Black Belt is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead HL Production System implementation using lean elements focusing on standardization, involvement, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and communicate a vision for lean manufacturing and HPS.
• Manage CI initiatives from planning to implementation of strategic projects.
• Promote lean culture and ensure implementation of HPS concepts delivering measurable benefits.
• Set priorities, drive actions, verify results, and adjust as needed.
• Provide guidance on lean priorities across plant-wide processes and functions.
• Assist in annual business and operational goals alignment.
• Ensure adherence to TS-16949 and company procedures.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Project management

Leadership

Coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Manufacturing

Job description

Purpose

The HPS Engineer acts as a Production System Engineer with broad responsibility for the successful implementation of the Halla Production System (HPS) and plant‑wide Continuous Improvement (CI) projects. This position does not have direct reports but provides leadership in lean principles and continuous improvement strategies that directly impact production volume, cost, and quality.

Key Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Lead HL Production System implementation using the twelve (12) lean HPS elements supporting standardization, people involvement, continuous improvement, built‑in quality, flow, and flexibility.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate a vision and strategy for comprehensive Lean manufacturing systems and HPS with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Manage Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, including planning, initiation, and implementation of projects of considerable scope, variety, and complexity.
• Set expectations for a lean culture by leading direction and focus, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and implementation of HPS concepts that deliver quantifiable benefits.
• Establish priorities, recommend actions, execute tasks, verify results, and implement course corrections.
• Provide recommendations based on advanced knowledge of lean priorities and production systems across plant‑wide processes, products, and functions.
• Assist in the development of annual business plans.
• Ensure adherence to TS‑16949 and company procedures.
• Assist in establishing annual operational goals, objectives, and performance standards with management.
• Align plant objectives and KPIs with overall value stream Objectives, Goals, Strategy, and Measures (OGSM).
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Management to deploy resources (capital, technical support, etc.) to ensure business needs are met from a lean quality and service perspective.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or equivalent combination of education and experience providing both theoretical and practical knowledge in the field.
• Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible experience, including project management and use of production systems/CI principles (e.g., lean manufacturing).
• Experience in automotive high‑volume manufacturing environment required.
• Certification as a Six Sigma Black Belt is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of lean principles and automotive operations.
• Proficiency in project management systems, tools, and methodologies.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to execute tactical plans effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and teaching skills to influence and coach others.
• Excellent time management skills with a demonstrated sense of urgency.
• Ability to make sound, timely, and reasonable judgments.

Legal Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age due to federal labor law requirements.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with standard office equipment, including computers, phones and printers.
• Standard business hours apply; occasional flexibility may be required to support CI projects or team‑driven initiatives.
• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (e.g., safety glasses, steel‑toe shoes, hearing protection, gloves) is required when on the manufacturing floor.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods to complete data analysis, reporting, and project planning using a computer and standard office equipment.
• Ability to stand and walk moderate periods to observe and assess workflows in the manufacturing environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds of materials or equipment.
• Adequate visual acuity to review detailed documentation and monitor processes.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Remote Work

Not applicable – onsite presence required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental & vision insurance.
• Company‑paid life insurance and disability coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and other leave programs.
• Professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

HL Mando is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability status.