Manufacturing Engineer II

Overview

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a growing presence in the commercial pool market. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating systems, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control, and energy solutions at our company-owned facilities worldwide. This position is based in Clemmons, NC.

At Hayward, we believe in delivering innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions that enhance well-being. As a Manufacturing Engineer II , you will take a lead role in driving manufacturing excellence by developing and optimizing robust production processes. You will serve as a technical leader within the plant, owning complex projects, improving production systems, and mentoring junior engineers while collaborating cross-functionally to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality, repeatable, and cost-effective production.
• Drive cycle time reduction, waste elimination, and throughput improvements using Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies.
• Design and optimize production layouts, material flow, and workforce utilization to maximize safety, productivity, and scalability.
• Lead capital equipment evaluation, justification, sourcing, and implementation for new and existing product lines.
• Develop and maintain process documentation including PFMEA, control plans, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Analyze production data, identify root causes of performance gaps, and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) by partnering with design engineering to ensure manufacturability and smooth production ramp-up.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Manufacturing Engineer I and production team members.
• Collaborate with operations leadership, supply chain, quality, and maintenance teams to achieve plant performance targets.
• Provide cost modeling and ROI analysis for process improvements and capital investments.
• Champion safety, quality, and sustainability initiatives within the manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering (Engineering Technology considered with relevant experience).
• 5-10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement initiatives with measurable results (cycle time reduction, OEE improvement, scrap reduction, cost savings).
• Experience with assembly equipment, automation systems, machining, or high-volume production environments.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or other 3D modeling software.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems and process monitoring tools preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, root cause analysis, and FMEA.
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.

Preferred:

• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent CI certification.
• Experience supporting capital equipment projects or automation integration.