Supervisor, Engine Build

Hyliion•Austin, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisor, Engine Build is a Player-Coach and a hands-on manufacturing leader responsible for both executing and supervising the precision assembly of KARNO™ linear genset engines. This role spends 50–70% of time on the floor actively overseeing the building engines, while also owning daily production coordination, quality discipline, and technician development. This position bridges engineering intent and production reality, ensuring engines are built right the first time while continuously improving repeatability, learning velocity, and scale readiness. Success in this role requires deep mechanical skill, strong situational leadership, and the ability to teach by example.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Technical certification or trade training preferred
6–10 years of precision mechanical assembly experience, including:
2+ years as a lead technician or working supervisor
Experience in prototype or pilot build environments
Background in one or more of the following:
Advanced engines or power systems
Aerospace or pressure systems
High-tolerance electromechanical assemblies
Expert-level hands-on ability in:
Precision mechanical assembly
Linear motion and alignment-sensitive builds
Seal installation and verification
Proficiency with:
Torque and preload-controlled fastening
Micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, feeler gauges
Strong ability to read and interpret:
Engineering drawings and GD&T
Build travelers and work instructions
Comfortable working in rapid iteration environments with frequent ECNs
Credibility as a working leader and able to teach through action
Strong situational leadership and decision-making skills
Clear communication between technicians, engineering, and management
Bias toward ownership, accountability, and continuous learning
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to travel domestically, as needed, by plane, automobile, etc.

Nice To Haves

Experience with free-piston engines, linear generators, or non-rotating architecture
Background in combustion systems, pressure vessels, or thermal-mechanical assemblies
Familiarity with ISO 9001 / AS9100-style quality systems
Prior involvement in scaling from prototype to pilot production

Responsibilities

Hands-On Engine Assembly (Player Role)
Oversee and be able to personally perform critical or high-risk engine assembly operations, including:
Free-piston and linear motion assemblies
Axial alignment and stack-up sensitive builds
Critical sealing interfaces (dynamic and static)
Final engine check-out and verification steps
Serve as the go-to technical expert for complex assemblies and rework.
Validate new or revised work instructions through first-article builds.
Support engine teardown, inspection, and rebuild following test events.
Daily Production Leadership (Coach Role)
Lead daily engine build execution aligned to:
Production & test plans
Engineering priorities and change flow
Assign work based on:
Technician skill level
Build risk and criticality
Run start-of-shift standups covering:
Safety, Quality and Cleanliness
Build priorities and constraints
Engineering & Quality updates and lessons learned
Quality & Process Ownership
Own first-time-through build quality at the engine level.
Ensure strict adherence to:
Build travelers and work instructions
Torque, preload, alignment, and sealing specs
Serialization and traceability requirements
Lead immediate containment for:
Assembly errors
Fitment or tolerance stack-up issues
Seal or cleanliness escapes
Drive corrective actions into:
Standard work
Tooling and fixtures
Training and qualification requirements
Technician Development & Coaching
Actively train technicians on the floor through:
Side-by-side builds
Demonstration of best practices
Real-time coaching and feedback
Qualify technicians on:
Critical operations
Special processes
New or updated build steps
Set and reinforce expectations for:
Craftsmanship
Documentation discipline
Accountability for quality
Behavioral performance in the workplace
Test Feedback & Continuous Improvement
Partner with End of Line (EOL) test and engineering to:
Prepare engines for genset integration and test readiness
Support post-test teardown and inspections
Translate test findings into:
Assembly improvements
Updated work instructions
Risk reduction actions
Support PFMEA updates and error-proofing implementation.
Identify opportunities to improve:
Build cycle time
Repeatability and yield
Ergonomics and safety