Manager, Manufacturing Process Engineer

Nikkiso Cryogenic Industries•Santa Ana, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry. Nikkiso ACD is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in machinery designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as – 420 degrees Fahrenheit. This position is based at Nikkiso ACD, LLC, located in Santa Ana, CA. The role focuses on Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and 5S Leadership, driving product cell development, standardization, team capability building, and sustained adoption of Lean and 5S practices. The manager will guide teams in using industry-standard continuous improvement tools and problem-solving techniques. The role also oversees the development and maintenance of manufacturing travelers, work instructions, and workflow sequences, and leads CAPA teams. Additionally, the position involves partnering with various departments to improve workflow, material flow, safety, productivity, and overall manufacturing efficiency, as well as managing the development and implementation of work instructions and process documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent
Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or process improvement
Prior leadership or management responsibility
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage priorities, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Visio.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or relevant certifications
Demonstrated ability to lead manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or process improvement teams in a complex manufacturing environment
Working knowledge of ACAD and / or SolidWorks for reviewing and communicating engineering concepts, tools, fixtures, and manufacturing layouts
Strong knowledge of manufacturing materials, processes, and practices consistent with Nikkiso ACD centrifugal and reciprocating pump products and cryogenic industry requirements
Experience overseeing machining, fabrication, casting, forging, welding, and assembly processes involving bronze alloy, aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless steel
Proven leadership in Lean Manufacturing, problem solving, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives
Strong project planning, project management, prioritization, and cross-functional communication skills
Experience developing supplier improvement strategies and partnering with Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations teams
Ability to direct time studies, capacity analysis, labor standards, machining / assembly / processing evaluations, and related productivity improvement activities
Experience leading the development, formatting, approval, and management of procedures and work instructions
Understanding of focus factory layouts, cellular manufacturing, workflow optimization, material flow, and visual management systems

Responsibilities

Lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations, driving product cell development, standardization, team capability building, and sustained adoption of Lean and 5S practices.
Guide teams in the use of industry-standard and state-of-the-art continuous improvement tools and problem-solving techniques, including Six Sigma, Lean, 5S, Gemba, Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM), Value Stream Mapping, and Kaizen events.
Oversee the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing travelers, work instructions, workflow sequences, and released work orders throughout the factory.
Lead CAPA teams and ensure root cause analysis and corrective actions are completed effectively and sustainably.
Partner with Engineering, EHS, Facility Maintenance, and Operations teams to improve workflow, material flow, safety, productivity, and overall manufacturing efficiency across the operation.
Manage the development, review, and implementation of work instructions, procedures, and process documentation to support Manufacturing Engineering, training, compliance, and operational consistency.
Ensure each area documents its processes for training, reference, standardization, and continuous improvement, while reinforcing accountability for consistent execution across the manufacturing organization.