Manufacturing Engineering Manager Jobs in Kentucky

Job Description:

Manager, Manufacturing Engineering & Continuous Improvement

About Packsize

Packsize is redefining the way businesses and their customers use and experience packaging around the world. We build the technology, design the right solutions, and automate the processes that propel the industry forward. To us, packaging is much more than a box—it’s delivering what’s right for our customers, their customers, our people, and the planet.

About the Role

The Manager of Manufacturing Engineering & Continuous Improvement is responsible for leading the manufacturing engineering team while driving continuous improvement initiatives across production operations. This role combines hands-on leadership of manufacturing engineers with ownership of lean manufacturing, process optimization, cost reduction, and operational efficiency initiatives. The position partners closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Leadership to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

What You’ll Do

Manufacturing Engineering Leadership

• Lead, develop, and coach a team of Manufacturing Engineers supporting production and refurb operations
• Set priorities, workload, and technical direction for manufacturing engineering resources
• Support production line design, line balancing, tooling, fixtures, work instructions, and process capability
• Drive manufacturability improvements, standard work, and process documentation
• Partner with Operations to support ramp-ups, capacity expansion, and new product introductions
• Support root cause analysis for production issues related to process, equipment, or layout

Continuous Improvement / Lean Ownership

• Own and lead the site’s Continuous Improvement (CI) and Lean Manufacturing strategy
• Identify, prioritize, and execute CI projects focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity
• Lead kaizen events, value stream mapping, time studies, and waste elimination initiatives
• Establish and track CI KPIs and savings (labor, material, overhead, throughput)
• Coach operations and engineering teams on lean principles and problem-solving methods
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations leadership to align CI efforts with production goals
• Work closely with Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS on process improvements and compliance
• Support capital investment justification, equipment selection, and implementation
• Provide regular updates to leadership on progress, risks, and improvement results

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering and/or operations
• 3+ years of people leadership experience
• Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing, CI tools, and production systems
• Proven experience driving measurable operational improvements
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• Experience in high-mix or complex manufacturing environments
• Background supporting both new production and refurb/remanufacturing operations
• Experience working in a growth or ramp-up manufacturing environment
• Manufacturing process design and optimization
• Lean / CI tools: VSM, kaizen, 5S, standard work, takt time, time studies
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis (A3, 8D, etc.)
• Leadership, coaching, and team development
• Data-driven mindset with ability to translate analysis into action
• Clear, direct communication style with all levels of the organization

Packsize considers several factors when determining compensation when extending a job offer, including but not limited to, the role being offered, the associated responsibilities, the candidate's prior work experience, education/training, and any special skills. At Packsize, we’re committed to supporting the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; Paid Time Off; Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA); and life and disability insurance. Additional voluntary benefits include critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, and legal/ID theft protection. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support your overall well-being.

Packsize is an Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in its workforce. In compliance with applicable federal and state laws, Packsize policy of equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, veteran’s status, status as a qualified person with a disability, or genetic information. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.