Sr. Manager, Manufacturing

Toyota Racing Development USA; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

401(k) match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible work options

Job summary

Toyota Racing Development USA seeks a Sr. Manager, Manufacturing to lead a ~40‑person operation across Manufacturing Engineering, Production Control, and Quality. You will set strategic vision, drive process definitions for high‑precision components, and ensure on‑time delivery with strong KPI management.

The role emphasizes hands‑on leadership on the shop floor, optimizing automation, tooling, and capacity planning while coordinating with multiple departments to elevate quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Operations Management; Master's preferred.
• 10+ years in a high‑precision, automated, 5‑axis CNC environment with 5+ years in leadership.
• Hands‑on experience with process definition, optimization, production scheduling, and inspection.
• Proven track record in OEE‑driven environments and data‑driven decision making.
• Strong ERP/MRP and shop floor software familiarity.
• Experience leading 40+ team members and managing managers.

Responsibilities

• Lead TRD's manufacturing operation and balance long‑term strategy with short‑term goals.
• Oversee Manufacturing Engineering, Production Control, and Quality groups.
• Drive KPI performance, including OEE targets across multiple 5‑axis machines.
• Coordinate with Planning/Purchasing, Design Engineering, and EHS on safety and efficiency.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, automation, and AI tools.

Skills

Leadership

OEE mindset

5-axis milling

ERP/MRP

Manufacturing optimization

Lean manufacturing

Automation/AI tools

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering/Operations

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

HyperMill

Creo

Vericut

CAD/CAM

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.

TRD 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 racetrack 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 available positions.

TRD is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Sr. Manager, Manufacturing.

The Sr. Manager, Manufacturing is responsible for providing strategic vision, leadership, and accountability for TRD's manufacturing operation, overseeing the Managers of Manufacturing Engineering, Production Control, and Quality and leading a total team of approximately 40 members ranging from postgraduate engineers to shop-floor technicians. Direct responsibility includes equipment evaluation and selection, ROI and capital justification, process and automation development, facility planning, and personnel planning across the operation.

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.

What you will bring:

• 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.

Physical requirements:

• Ability to lift 20lbs.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including time spent on the production floor overseeing operations.

Bonus if you have:

• 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:

• Up to 10% travel, primarily to TRD facilities and motorsports events.

What we’ll bring

During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry‑leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• 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.