Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary

Hydraulics International, Inc. (HII) is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support production operations by developing, improving, and sustaining manufacturing processes for hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical assemblies. This role works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Continuous Improvement, Planning, and Supply Chain to improve safety, quality, cost, delivery, manufacturability, and overall production flow.

This is a full-time onsite position located in Chatsworth, CA. Remote work, hybrid work, and relocation assistance are not available.


Key Responsibilities

• Develop, improve, and sustain manufacturing processes, work instructions, routings, tooling, fixtures, and production documentation.
• Design, implement, and validate equipment, tools, jigs, and fixtures used in production while ensuring compliance with applicable internal and external safety requirements.
• Serve as the liaison between Design Engineering and Manufacturing for new product introductions, product changes, manufacturability reviews, and production readiness.
• Support shop-floor production issues by troubleshooting process, tooling, documentation, quality, and assembly-related problems.
• Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective action activities for production, quality, warranty, and customer-related issues.
• Participate in Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to improve plant layout, process flow, labor efficiency, standard work, safety, and overall operational performance.
• Identify and execute cost reduction, waste reduction, productivity, and cycle-time improvement opportunities.
• Support vendor qualification/certification activities and work with suppliers as needed to resolve manufacturing or quality issues.
• Prioritize assigned projects, coordinate resources, track actions, and communicate progress, risks, and results to stakeholders.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional meetings related to process improvement, production support, engineering changes, and project execution.
• Ensure manufacturing processes are aligned with company quality system requirements, customer expectations, and applicable standards or regulations.

Key Performance Deliverables

• Improved manufacturing flow, labor efficiency, and production readiness through documented process improvements.
• Reduced rework, scrap, warranty issues, process variation, and production disruptions through effective root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Improved accuracy and clarity of routings, BOMs, work instructions, production documentation, tooling, and fixture requirements.
• Timely execution of engineering change support, new product introduction activities, and cross-functional manufacturing projects.
• Measurable support of safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives within assigned production areas.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience may be considered.
• Five or more years of experience supporting manufacturing processes, procedures, tooling, fixtures, documentation, and production operations.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks or similar CAD/design software.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, pneumatic schematics, hydraulic schematics, and electrical schematics.
• Strong project management, prioritization, follow-up, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, corrective action, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, Planning, leadership, suppliers, and other business functions in both written and verbal formats.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and use available resources to drive practical, bottom-line results.
• Proficiency in English required.
• Understanding of relevant codes, standards, safety expectations, and regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, aviation ground support equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical assemblies, or similar complex manufacturing environments.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, bills of material, routings, production travelers, work orders, and manufacturing master data.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar quality management systems.
• Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, time studies, standard work, or continuous improvement experience.
• Experience supporting machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, test, inspection, or production launch activities.
• Experience working with vendors, suppliers, and outside processing partners to resolve manufacturing and quality issues.

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus: Anticipates, meets, and exceeds internal and external customer expectations.
• Interpersonal Skills: Communicates effectively, builds rapport, and works well with a wide range of people and functions.
• Planning and Organizing: Establishes practical courses of action to complete work effectively and on time.
• Problem Solving: Defines, analyzes, and diagnoses problems to develop effective solutions.
• Project Management: Coordinates people, tasks, resources, schedules, and systems to achieve results.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and process stability.

General Expectations

• Follow company policies, procedures, handbook requirements, notices, postings, and management direction.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment and follow the company Code of Safe Work Practices.
• Understand and adhere to the company's quality management system and applicable work process requirements.
• Demonstrate professionalism, ownership, accountability, and teamwork in daily work.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual Salary Range: $73,000-$125,000 DOE

HII offers competitive compensation and a benefits package that may include:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)

About HII

Hydraulics International, Inc. (HII), headquartered in Chatsworth, California, is a leading supplier of integrated products, services, and support to military forces, aviation and commercial industries, government agencies, and prime contractors worldwide. Focused on defense and commercial technology, the company develops, manufactures, and supports a broad range of systems for mission-critical, military sustainment, and commercial requirements worldwide.

HII's corporate, engineering, and manufacturing facilities are located in Chatsworth, California and Forsyth, Georgia. The company's manufacturing capabilities include CNC lathes and mills, computerized tube bending, automatic press brake and programmable punch press equipment, laser topography scanners, and other quality verification devices.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

HII is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. HII also prohibits discrimination and harassment against all individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, including physical, emotional, and mental health, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use the online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance.