Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer

HYDAC is a family-owned organization committed to delivering high-quality products, components, and services that exceed customer expectations while ensuring environmental responsibility. With a passionate team and a collaborative culture, HYDAC designs and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of innovative and reliable solutions tailored to diverse customer needs.

The Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer plays a critical role in advancing operational excellence within the Hydraulics Division. This position combines hands-on manufacturing engineering expertise with strong leadership in Continuous Improvement (CI) and Lean methodologies. The ideal candidate will support production operations, optimize manufacturing processes, lead CI initiatives, and help drive a culture of sustainable improvement across multiple locations.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will make a meaningful impact by:

• Supporting all Lean and continuous improvement activities across the Chicagoland and Wooster, Ohio regions.
• Providing technical expertise to manufacturing departments to ensure compliance with design standards, quality requirements, and cost targets.
• Developing, reviewing, and improving assembly methods, tooling designs, floor layouts, and manufacturing cells.
• Owning and maintaining the interdepartmental escalation dashboard and initiating CI actions based on findings.
• Analyzing current processes, identifying improvement opportunities, and developing executable improvement plans.
• Leading cross-functional teams through process improvement projects, including facilitating workshops, Kaizen events, and project reviews.
• Training, mentoring, and coaching employees on CI tools, Lean principles, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Ensuring all CI initiatives align with organizational goals and operational strategies.
• Tracking, reporting, and communicating progress on CI projects while addressing risks or barriers to success.
• Collaborating with stakeholders at all levels to strengthen CI culture and promote continuous learning and improvement.
• Identifying automation, workflow, and cost-reduction opportunities to support efficiency and scalability.
• Creating and maintaining Value Stream Maps and other Lean documentation to visualize and optimize processes.
• Managing  factory floor layouts and driving layout improvements to support operational excellence.
• Driving safety.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related discipline preferred); relevant experience may be considered.
• 2–3 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in a production environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a Continuous Improvement or Lean-focused role, with a strong track record of implementing CI initiatives.
• Strong working knowledge of Lean methodologies and tools, including 6S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Shop Floor Management.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent experience (preferred).
• Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability  to read and interpret engineering drawings, apply GD&T principles, and develop optimized manufacturing layouts.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, leadership, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capability to influence across all organizational levels.
• Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or similar).
• Working knowledge of 2D CAD software.
• Prior experience as a Manufacturing or Production Engineer.
• Experience in factory planning, industrial engineering, or logistics optimization.

  HYDAC offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short-term disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance
• A supportive and collaborative work environment
• Salary range $80,000 - $95,000 / year

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