Sr. Manager, Manufacturing

SEMA Education; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Health care and wellness plans

Flexible work options

401(k) with company match

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) in Costa Mesa, CA seeks a Sr. Manager, Manufacturing to lead a 40+‑person operation across Manufacturing Engineering, Production Control, and Quality.

The role demands strategic vision, hands‑on leadership on the floor, and strong focus on KPIs, automation, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in high‑precision, automated CNC environments, with expertise in process optimization, scheduling, and ERP/MRP tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Operations Management; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years in a high‑precision automated CNC environment with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Hands‑on with process definition, optimization, scheduling, and inspection methods.
• Proven track record in an OEE‑measured environment with data‑driven mindset.
• Experience leading 40+ team members across multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage TRD manufacturing operation on the shop floor with strategic and KPI focus.
• Oversee Manufacturing Engineering for process definition of TRD components with advanced CNC expertise.
• Oversee Production Control across two workstreams; drive on-time schedule and KPIs.
• Oversee Quality Control with tight tolerance inspection and supplier coordination.
• Champion new technologies including automation and AI‑assisted tools to boost efficiency.

Skills

5-axis CNC machining

OEE metrics

Production scheduling

Process optimization

Team leadership

Automation/AI tools

Manufacturing engineering

Data-driven mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Operations Management

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

HyperMill

Creo

Vericut

Job description

Job Description

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.

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.

Direct responsibility includes equipment evaluation and selection, ROI and capital justification, process and automation development, facility planning, and personnel planning across the operation. The successful candidate will provide strategic vision, leadership, and accountability for the operation, overseeing the Managers of Manufacturing Engineering, Production Control, and Quality — leading a total team of approximately 40 members ranging from postgraduate engineers to shop-floor technicians.

Details

Posted: 24-Jul-26

Location: Costa Mesa, California

Type: Full Time

Salary: $176,000-$280,000

Categories:

• Operations
• Production

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.

What We Will Bring

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement.
• Vehicle purchase & lease programs, comprehensive health care, and wellness plans for your entire family.
• Flexible work options based on business needs.
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Relocation assistance (if applicable).

About Toyota Racing Development

Toyota Racing Development inspires the hearts and minds of racing fans, Toyota team members, customers, and the driving public. We are dedicated to advancing automotive engineering and maximizing success. We partner with the finest race teams and drivers who share our passion, and our actions foster an atmosphere of excellence. In our pursuit of becoming the most respected and premier motorsports engineering organization in the world, we are looking for highly motivated applicants for our open positions.