Senior Manufacturing Engineer

We, at Leggett Dynamics, are searching for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer within our Engineering team to help support our Automotivebusiness.  Did you know we are the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of seating support and comfort systems for transportation manufacturers, as well as tier one and two suppliers within the automotive industry? That’s right! Our automotive products fall into four primary groups: Seating and Lumbar support, Motors, Actuators and Massage Systems. If you join our team, your work will ensure people across the world have a little more comfort in their lives. 

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Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of advanced manufacturing processes supporting automotive seating systems. This role requires a technical leader who can drive automation initiatives, mentor engineering teams, and deliver world-class manufacturing solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and profitability.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in automotive manufacturing environments with a strong background in automation development and implementation, in-seat pneumatic massage systems, DC motors, solenoids, pumps, and related electromechanical products used in automotive seating and motion applications. This individual will serve as a key member of cross-functional program teams, influencing product and process design decisions from concept through launch while championing operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Provide engineering leadership for the development, launch, and optimization of manufacturing processes across multiple product lines.
• Mentor and coach manufacturing engineers, technicians, and production teams on best practices in process design, automation, problem solving, and lean manufacturing.
• Lead cross-functional teams during new product launches, process improvements, and capital investment projects.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for manufacturing technologies related to automotive seating comfort systems and electromechanical assemblies.

Manufacturing Process Development

• Design, develop, validate, and implement robust manufacturing processes for automotive seating components and assemblies.
• Lead process planning activities including:
  • Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM)
  • Process Flow Development
  • PFMEA
  • Control Plans
  • Work Instructions
  • Capacity Analysis
  • Cycle Time Optimization
• Develop plant layouts, workstation designs, material flow strategies, and ergonomic solutions to support efficient production operations.
• Establish process standards and manufacturing specifications to ensure repeatable, high-quality production.

Automation & Equipment Engineering

• Lead the specification, design, procurement, installation, and validation of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Drive implementation of advanced automation technologies including:
  • Robotic and servo-controlled assembly systems
  • Vision systems
  • Automated testing equipment
  • Management of the Fabrication of Urethane Bladders (not including the manufacture of the Urethane material itself).
  • RF Welding and complex Air Bladder RF Welding
  • Automated material handling solutions
• Partner with controls engineers, machine builders, and suppliers to develop innovative manufacturing solutions.
• Support the quoting process through the development of cost assumptions for manufacturing process.
• Support Industry 4.0 initiatives through data collection, process monitoring, and manufacturing system integration.

Product & Technology Expertise

• Provide manufacturing expertise for products incorporating:
  • Pneumatic in-seat Massage Systems including urethane bladder assemblies, pumps, solenoids, and ECUs
  • Lumbar Systems including urethane bladder assemblies, pumps and solenoid valves
  • DC motors
  • Electromechanical Actuators
  • Automotive comfort and Seating system assembly
• Collaborate with product engineering teams to ensure product designs are optimized for manufacturability, quality, reliability, and cost.

Continuous Improvement Deliverables

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Drive improvements in:
  • OEE
  • Labor productivity
  • Scrap reduction
  • Cycle time reduction
  • Throughput improvement
  • Cost reduction
  • Equipment reliability
• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies including:
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • 8D
  • DMAIC
  • Kaizen
  • Statistical Analysis

Program & Project Management

• Manage manufacturing engineering activities for new product launches and major process changes.
• Develop project timelines, budgets, resource plans, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Manufacturing Change Requests (MCRs) are properly evaluated, approved, and implemented.
• Lead capital equipment projects from concept through production handoff.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure manufacturing processes comply with all applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement engineering controls to eliminate hazards.
• Ensure compliance with customer, quality, and industry standards.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Master's Degree is preferred.

Experience

• 8+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 5 years of experience supporting Automotive products.
• Proven experience leading manufacturing process development and equipment implementation projects.
• Demonstrated success implementing automation and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with new product introduction (NPI) and launch management.

Technical Expertise

Strong experience in one or more of the following:

• Pneumatic in-seat massage systems
• Air pumps and pneumatic controls
• DC motor manufacturing and assembly
• Solenoid manufacturing and assembly
• Automotive comfort systems
• Electromechanical assemblies
• Automated assembly equipment
• Leak testing and functional testing systems

Manufacturing Systems Knowledge

Experience with:

• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• Process Flow Development
• SPC
• MSA
• APQP
• PPAP
• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma methodologies
• MES systems
• ERP systems (D365 preferred)
• PLM/PDM systems

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong technical leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to influence without direct authority across engineering, operations, quality, maintenance, and program management teams.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to execution.
• Ability to build credibility with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Passion for developing people and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within automotive seating, comfort systems, or interior components manufacturing.
• Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with robotics, vision systems, and advanced automation platforms.
• Experience launching products across multiple global manufacturing sites.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 and smart factory technologies.

What to Do Next

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about us, what are you waiting for! Apply today and allow us the opportunity to learn more about you and the value you can bring to our team. Once you apply, be sure to create a profile, and sign up for job alerts, so you can be the first to know when new opportunities become available.

Our Values

Our values speak to our shared beliefs, and describe how we approach working together.

• Put People First reflects our commitment to safety and care of each other, learning and development, and creating an environment of mutual respect, empathy and belonging.
• Do the Right Thing focuses us on acting with honesty and integrity, delivering the results the right way, taking pride in our work, and speaking the truth – good or bad.
• Do Great Work…Together occurs when we engage without hierarchy, collaborate as a team, embrace challenges, and work for the good of all of us.
• Take Ownership and Raise the Bar demonstrates our responsibility to add value and make a difference, challenge the status quo and biases to make things better, foster innovative and creative solutions to drive impact, and explore new perspectives and embrace change.

Our Commitment to You

We're actively taking steps to make sure our culture, processes and practices promote equal opportunity for all. Join us!

We welcome and encourage all applicants to apply. We’d love the opportunity to consider you.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer

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