Manufacturing Engineering Manager

SoLa Impact • Los Angeles, CA

4d • $90,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Model/Z is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a high-performing team responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining all manufacturing processes in a fast-paced, state-of-the-art production environment. This role combines strategic operations leadership with hands-on manufacturing engineering expertise to ensure scalable production, high product quality, and continuous cost and process improvements. This leader will oversee manufacturing engineering activities from concept through production ramp-up and ongoing operations, working cross-functionally with Product Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams.
Model/Z is a trailblazing enterprise focused on reinventing multifamily housing through the development of standardized, modular units. Our mission is to provide high-quality, low-cost, and net-zero-ready housing solutions that are both scalable and practical, aiming to significantly mitigate homelessness and enhance living conditions for underrepresented communities. As a majority Black-owned and operated business based in Southern California, Model/Z is poised to establish the first standardized modular housing factory in the region. Located in the historic Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles, Model/Z is committed to revitalizing communities by employing local community members and paying living wages. Our innovative approach revolutionizes construction, transforming a traditional linear process into a parallel manufacturing system that allows us to build high-quality apartment homes in a factory before the concrete is even poured on-site. By empowering Black and Brown families and institutions and unlocking the value of underutilized land, Model/Z embodies a model of equitable growth, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Southern California and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field required.
• 5 plus years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including 2 plus years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong background in manufacturing engineering, process development, and cross-functional project leadership.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, quality control, and Lean principles.
• Ability to define and build processes from the ground up, including documentation and training.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across functions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Ability to present information in a concise and easily understood manner.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with GD&T, CAD modeling (SolidWORKS, Inventor, AutoCAD), and manufacturing execution systems preferred.
• Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided.
• All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers, technicians, and production support personnel.
• Allocate resources effectively, including labor, equiptment and project priorities.
• Define long-term and short-term departmental goals and align manufacturing engineering strategies with overall business objectives.
• Drive operational excellence through standardization, workflow optimization, and implementation of best practices.
• Oversee creation, validation, and continuous improvements of manufacturing processes to ensure scalability, efficiency, and quality.
• Lead process validation exercises, including cycletimes studies, labor requirements, tooling needs, and work instructions development.
• Manage and optimize factory layout, resource utilization, and production flow.
• Develop comprehensive work instructions, process documentation, routings, and workflows in MES systems.
• Oversee design and implementation of tooling, jigs, and fixtures to improve throughput and quality.
• Lead time studies, data analysism and process capability evaluations to establish standards and improve productivity.
• Drive first builds, prototyping efforts, and mBOM development for new assemblies or products.
• Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives that reduce costs, enhance safety, and increase operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate manufacturing documentation documentation including SOPs, process flowcharts, equipment specifications, and test methods.
• Work closely with Product Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production to ensure manufacturability, quality, and successful product launches.
• Support shop-floor teams through responsive problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Lead operating reviews and manage ramp-up readiness for new manufacturing setups.
• Complete other tasks and projects assigned.

Benefits

• Model/Z offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as pet insurance, sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and bereavement days.
• This package is designed to provide employees with a range of important benefits that help to support their physical and emotional well-being, while also providing financial protection and peace of mind.
• At Model/Z, we believe work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job.
• We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment.
• We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability.
• We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible.
• We provide a rewarding and challenging environment.
• We expect a lot, but give a lot in return.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager