Senior Manufacturing Engineering Lead - High-Tech Ops

Hitachi, Ltd.; McMinnville (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Physics Technologies is seeking a hands-on Manager of Manufacturing Engineering to lead a team supporting production of high-tech components used in electron microscopes and related systems. You will oversee daily production support, drive process improvements, and support supplier validation in a dynamic environment.

The role requires a strong technical background, demonstrated leadership, and a track record in Lean/Six Sigma and process optimization, with exposure to UHV/high voltage

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or related Engineering field required.
• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in high-tech, precision, or regulated industries.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing engineers and/or technicians.
• Strong background in process development, equipment qualification, and manufacturing problem solving.
• Working knowledge of quality systems (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100, or equivalent).
• Experience with root cause analysis tools (e.g., 8D, FMEA, 5-Why, Fishbone).
• Demonstrated success in continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• Experience with UHV, high voltage, and electron microscopy a plus.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Hands-on, proactive leader with the ability to operate effectively in both strategic and tactical capacities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers and technicians.
• Balance workloads across production support, quality, and supplier-related activities.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration.
• Ensure smooth daily manufacturing operations by addressing technical issues, bottlenecks, and urgent challenges.
• Drive process improvements to improve yield, throughput, and efficiency.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives through process optimization, waste reduction, and improved resource utilization.
• Oversee implementation, qualification, and validation of new manufacturing equipment.
• Manage preventive maintenance and calibration programs for critical production tools.
• Provide oversight for non-conformances, MDNs, RMAs, and CAPAs.
• Ensure compliance with internal quality systems and external regulatory requirements.
• Lead initiatives in continuous improvement and root cause analysis.
• Maintain and update process documentation, work instructions, and control plans.
• Support incoming inspection and ensure supplier-provided components meet specifications.
• Partner with Supply Chain to evaluate and qualify new suppliers from a technical standpoint.
• Manage supplier process validations and first article inspections.
• Collaborate with purchasing and suppliers to resolve technical issues and ensure long-term supplier capability.
• Collaborate with R&D and product engineering to transition NPIs into manufacturing.
• Develop and validate manufacturing processes for NPIs to ensure scalability, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

Process development

Quality systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Hands-on leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or related Engineering field

Master's degree a plus

Job description

Applied Physics Technologies is seeking a hands-on Manager of Manufacturing Engineering to lead a team supporting production of high-tech components used in electron microscopes and related systems. You will oversee daily production support, drive process improvements, and support supplier validation in a dynamic environment.

The role requires a strong technical background, demonstrated leadership, and a track record in Lean/Six Sigma and process optimization, with exposure to UHV/high voltage