Sr. Manager - Manufacturing

Toyota Deutschland GmbH; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 176,400 - 305,800; Full time

Job summary

Toyota Deutschland GmbH is looking for a Sr. Manager, Manufacturing in Costa Mesa, California. This role is vital for advancing motorsports engineering, with responsibilities including leading manufacturing operations and overseeing quality control.

The ideal candidate will manage a team and drive production performance, requiring extensive experience in CNC environments and leadership roles. Toyota offers a dynamic work environment that values collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in a high-precision CNC environment, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing process definition and optimization.
• Proven experience managing within an OEE-measured environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage TRD’s manufacturing operation with a hands-on approach.
• Oversee Manufacturing Engineering for process definition and technical support.
• Drive production performance against established KPIs in multiple workstreams.

Skills

Leadership in a high-precision environment

CNC programming and process definition

Manufacturing optimization

Quality control management

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Operations Management

Tools

HyperMill

ERP and MRP software

MS Excel

Job description

Overview

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is seeking a Sr. Manager, Manufacturing to join our team. We are dedicated to advancing motorsports engineering and delivering world‑class performance, and this role is integral to our pursuit of becoming the most respected motorsports engineering organization.

Who we are

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high‑quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We’re looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment‑based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage TRD’s manufacturing operation, operating with a “see, touch, feel” leadership philosophy — engaged on the floor and with the teams — while balancing long‑term strategic direction with short‑term goals and key performance metrics.
• Oversee TRD’s Manufacturing Engineering group, responsible for complete process definition of TRD‑manufactured components. Provide technical support through hands‑on experience with advanced CNC programming, tooling, fixturing, and process definition across a product mix ranging from high‑tolerance, full 5‑axis race components to higher‑volume commercial components.
• Oversee TRD’s Production Control group, responsible for scheduling and execution across two workstreams: low‑volume, high‑precision, short‑lead‑time race engine components and higher‑volume commercial components. Drive production performance against established KPIs, including OEE targets of ≥80% across 18+ high‑precision, 5‑axis CNC machines.
• Oversee TRD’s Quality Control group, responsible for detailed inspection of tight‑tolerance race components manufactured in‑house and sourced through a global supply chain. Build an inspection culture that supports internal customers and external suppliers and raises overall component quality.
• Coordinate and support other TRD departments, including Planning/Purchasing, Design Engineering, Race Engine Build, Commercial Assembly, and the TRD EHS Department on safety matters affecting the manufacturing operation.
• Evaluate, develop, and implement new technologies — including automation, robotics, and AI‑assisted tools — to improve efficiency, quality, and capability across the manufacturing operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Operations Management (Master’s is a plus).
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in a high‑precision, high‑profile, automated, 5‑axis CNC environment, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Hands‑on experience with manufacturing process definition, optimization, production scheduling, and inspection methods.
• Proven track record managing within an OEE‑measured environment with a metrics‑ and data‑driven mindset.
• Advanced experience in complex, tight‑tolerance, 5‑axis high‑speed milling.
• Understanding and use of shop‑floor and business management software (ERP, MRP, etc.).
• Proven experience leading 40+ team members across multiple functions, including managing managers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience in CAM, CAD, and toolpath verification software; proficiency with HyperMill (TRD’s primary CAM platform) strongly preferred; experience with Creo and Vericut a plus.
• Familiarity with AI‑assisted tools (e.g., LLMs for analysis, documentation, and process improvement).
• Manufacturing experience working with billet, forging, and casting raw materials.
• Advanced MS Excel and broader MS Office suite proficiency.
• Experience designing, machining, and assembling production fixtures, tooling, and related components.
• Hands‑on experience generating complex production schedules across mixed‑volume, mixed‑complexity workstreams.

Travel Requirements

• This role requires up to 10% travel, primarily to TRD facilities and motorsports events.

The annual base salary range for this position is $176,400.00 - $305,800.00.

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Please send an email to [e-mail] for questions, special accommodations, or assistance with your application.