Manufacturing Jobs in Kentucky
Manufacturing jobs in Kentucky are in strong demand, with the state's deep industrial base driving steady hiring in automotive assembly, chemical production, food and beverage processing, and aerospace components. Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green are the primary hiring hubs, where employers like Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Ford Motor Company, and Nucor Steel maintain major operations. The most consistent openings are for CNC machinists, welders, quality control technicians, and production supervisors across the state's sprawling plant network. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make “good things, for life.” As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we’re powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there’s always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.
The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities.
Interested in joining us on our journey?
The Director Advanced Manufacturing Engineering - Metal Stamping is responsible for the strategy and execution of capital equipment, tooling, automation, and facilities projects with focus and expertise specific to metal stamping and fabrication operations. The primary focus will be the top-load dryer program, but could include other programs and projects. The role will develop and execute the capital equipment and tooling budget and manage, direct, and support the stamping Advanced Manufacturing Engineer team. They will ensure projects are run safely, on budget, on schedule, while maximizing return on investment. They are the primary reviewer and approver for stamping tooling and equipment projects in the facilities, responsible for ensuring all activities and processes conform with regulatory, OSHA, GEA, and industry standards. Goals include reducing manufacturing complexity, improving efficiency, and implementing state of the art stamping/metal forming systems to achieve best in class safety, quality, and operational efficiency.Position
Director, Advanced Manufacturing – Metal StampingLocation
USA, Louisville, KYHow You'll Create Possibilities
Organizational Leadership:
Review, Track, and Manage all advanced manufacturing risk within the facility. Ensure resources are adequately deployed to resolve gaps based on business priorities and elevate any organizational gaps as required.
Responsible for the AME team’s compliance to GEA Controllership rules with respect to asset classification, asset identification and capital effort allocation for all tooling and equipment projects lead by the team. Provide appropriate mentoring to AME project leaders as needed.
Recruit, manage and mentor AME team members within the metal forming operations. Duties include relevant human resource and development aspects, annual reviews, training, and career development of employees.
Ensure all resources are appropriately allocated to support program objectives.
Standards and Compliance:
Primary manufacturing reviewer for all product line/project checkpoints. As the primary reviewer, they are responsible to provide in-depth analysis of all stamping tooling and metal fabrication equipment and provide an overall assessment of the project risks with respect to conforming to GE standards, processes, and initiatives. They are expected to provide feedback and recommendations for improvements when gaps are identified.
Ensure all equipment and tooling executed in GEA factories comply with Industry and Governmental Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
Work with functional leaders to ensure equipment & processes support business initiatives including Lean Manufacturing, Ergonomic Design and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
Strategic Execution & Cross-functional Leadership:
Prioritize project activity and resources to ensure on-time implementation and benefit; leverage financial metrics to manage risk to schedule, budget or program costs.
Work with Product Management and Product Development teams to align manufacturing resources to execute project. Provide manufacturing input to project scopes for stamping equipment and tooling, factory layout, manufacturing processes, material flow, and resources required to execute the projects.
Identify, elevate and/or mitigate project risks that could impact project delivery of safety, product performance, quality, cost, factory readiness, regulatory or commercial requirements.
Manage project budgets, ensuring team delivers on time, at or better than budget.
Compile and analyze data, prepare and present reports and project information for leadership reviews.
Champion, promote and teach the use of lean tools and principles in all areas of the project. Utilize cross-functional participation to ensure that the equipment, tooling, and processes are compatible across the entire value stream.
Work with design team to ensure Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA) is executed on all stamped parts, and related processes.
What You'll Bring to Our Team
Position Requirement
Experience managing capital equipment procurement projects: Including specification development, supplier selection, technical reviews, installation, and qualification of equipment and tooling
Experience in a large-scale appliance manufacturing environment.
Fluent in Lean manufacturing principles
Ability to work in large cross-functional teams and at multiple levels in the organization (both salaried and shop floor operators / skilled trades team members).
Ability to communicate effectively and be an agent for change.
Good organizational, project management and presentation skills to interact with all levels within the organization and with suppliers/vendors.
Experience and understanding of cross-functional appliance NPI process.
Experience leading an advance manufacturing engineering team.
Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, grow, and maintain a skilled engineering team.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering discipline or significant related applicable metal forming experience.
Experience with stamping tooling, presses, and ancillary stamping equipment, automation and related manufacturing processes.
10+ years of experience with procurement, testing, installation, and launch of stamping tooling and equipment.
Manufacturing project leadership experience: demonstrated ability to build and manage a stamping tooling and equipment engineering team.
Demonstrated project management capabilities.
Proven stamping expertise – ability to understand and mitigate project risk to meet technical & commercial requirements.
New Product Introduction (NPI) experience capabilities.
Metal stamping/forming simulation capabilities.
Strategic planning capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
Working knowledge of Lean tools in a manufacturing operation.
Experience with high volume stamping manufacturing operations.
Familiarity with capitalization requirements, understanding business financials for CapEx projects.
Six Sigma Certification.
Proficient in MS Office, MS Scheduler (or equivalent) and AutoCAD.
Working Conditions:
Working conditions are normal for a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Work may involve lifting of materials and product up to 30 pounds and working in and around heavy equipment.
Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, work boots, and hardhats.
These roles will require frequent walking in a manufacturing plant environment.
20-30% travel may be for domestic and/or international travel to supplier sites/ plants, etc.
Hours & Weekends: Working off-shift and weekends will be required.
Our Culture
Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities.
This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices.
By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.
GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization.
GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply, please send an e-mail to ask.recruiting@geappliances.com
At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make “good things, for life.” As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we’re powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there’s always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.
The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities.
Interested in joining us on our journey?
The Director Advanced Manufacturing Engineering - Metal Stamping is responsible for the strategy and execution of capital equipment, tooling, automation, and facilities projects with focus and expertise specific to metal stamping and fabrication operations. The primary focus will be the top-load dryer program, but could include other programs and projects. The role will develop and execute the capital equipment and tooling budget and manage, direct, and support the stamping Advanced Manufacturing Engineer team. They will ensure projects are run safely, on budget, on schedule, while maximizing return on investment. They are the primary reviewer and approver for stamping tooling and equipment projects in the facilities, responsible for ensuring all activities and processes conform with regulatory, OSHA, GEA, and industry standards. Goals include reducing manufacturing complexity, improving efficiency, and implementing state of the art stamping/metal forming systems to achieve best in class safety, quality, and operational efficiency.Position
Director, Advanced Manufacturing – Metal StampingLocation
USA, Louisville, KYHow You'll Create Possibilities
Organizational Leadership:
Review, Track, and Manage all advanced manufacturing risk within the facility. Ensure resources are adequately deployed to resolve gaps based on business priorities and elevate any organizational gaps as required.
Responsible for the AME team’s compliance to GEA Controllership rules with respect to asset classification, asset identification and capital effort allocation for all tooling and equipment projects lead by the team. Provide appropriate mentoring to AME project leaders as needed.
Recruit, manage and mentor AME team members within the metal forming operations. Duties include relevant human resource and development aspects, annual reviews, training, and career development of employees.
Ensure all resources are appropriately allocated to support program objectives.
Standards and Compliance:
Primary manufacturing reviewer for all product line/project checkpoints. As the primary reviewer, they are responsible to provide in-depth analysis of all stamping tooling and metal fabrication equipment and provide an overall assessment of the project risks with respect to conforming to GE standards, processes, and initiatives. They are expected to provide feedback and recommendations for improvements when gaps are identified.
Ensure all equipment and tooling executed in GEA factories comply with Industry and Governmental Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
Work with functional leaders to ensure equipment & processes support business initiatives including Lean Manufacturing, Ergonomic Design and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
Strategic Execution & Cross-functional Leadership:
Prioritize project activity and resources to ensure on-time implementation and benefit; leverage financial metrics to manage risk to schedule, budget or program costs.
Work with Product Management and Product Development teams to align manufacturing resources to execute project. Provide manufacturing input to project scopes for stamping equipment and tooling, factory layout, manufacturing processes, material flow, and resources required to execute the projects.
Identify, elevate and/or mitigate project risks that could impact project delivery of safety, product performance, quality, cost, factory readiness, regulatory or commercial requirements.
Manage project budgets, ensuring team delivers on time, at or better than budget.
Compile and analyze data, prepare and present reports and project information for leadership reviews.
Champion, promote and teach the use of lean tools and principles in all areas of the project. Utilize cross-functional participation to ensure that the equipment, tooling, and processes are compatible across the entire value stream.
Work with design team to ensure Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA) is executed on all stamped parts, and related processes.
What You'll Bring to Our Team
Position Requirement
Experience managing capital equipment procurement projects: Including specification development, supplier selection, technical reviews, installation, and qualification of equipment and tooling
Experience in a large-scale appliance manufacturing environment.
Fluent in Lean manufacturing principles
Ability to work in large cross-functional teams and at multiple levels in the organization (both salaried and shop floor operators / skilled trades team members).
Ability to communicate effectively and be an agent for change.
Good organizational, project management and presentation skills to interact with all levels within the organization and with suppliers/vendors.
Experience and understanding of cross-functional appliance NPI process.
Experience leading an advance manufacturing engineering team.
Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, grow, and maintain a skilled engineering team.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering discipline or significant related applicable metal forming experience.
Experience with stamping tooling, presses, and ancillary stamping equipment, automation and related manufacturing processes.
10+ years of experience with procurement, testing, installation, and launch of stamping tooling and equipment.
Manufacturing project leadership experience: demonstrated ability to build and manage a stamping tooling and equipment engineering team.
Demonstrated project management capabilities.
Proven stamping expertise – ability to understand and mitigate project risk to meet technical & commercial requirements.
New Product Introduction (NPI) experience capabilities.
Metal stamping/forming simulation capabilities.
Strategic planning capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
Working knowledge of Lean tools in a manufacturing operation.
Experience with high volume stamping manufacturing operations.
Familiarity with capitalization requirements, understanding business financials for CapEx projects.
Six Sigma Certification.
Proficient in MS Office, MS Scheduler (or equivalent) and AutoCAD.
Working Conditions:
Working conditions are normal for a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Work may involve lifting of materials and product up to 30 pounds and working in and around heavy equipment.
Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, work boots, and hardhats.
These roles will require frequent walking in a manufacturing plant environment.
20-30% travel may be for domestic and/or international travel to supplier sites/ plants, etc.
Hours & Weekends: Working off-shift and weekends will be required.
Our Culture
Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities.
This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices.
By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.
GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization.
GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply, please send an e-mail to ask.recruiting@geappliances.com
See All 49 Manufacturing Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing JobsManufacturing Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Automotive
- Electronics & Hardware
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing jobs across Kentucky.
- High school diploma or GED required by most Kentucky production and assembly employers
- Prior experience operating CNC machines, forklifts, or industrial equipment in a plant setting
- Ability to meet physical requirements including lifting, standing, and working rotating shifts
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma practices preferred by major Kentucky plants
- Completion of a vocational or technical program from a Kentucky Community and Technical College System school
- Demonstrated knowledge of quality control standards and safety compliance in a regulated manufacturing environment
Manufacturing Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing worker in Kentucky?
Most Kentucky manufacturing roles are accessible with a high school diploma combined with hands-on technical training. The Kentucky Community and Technical College System offers certificate and associate degree programs in advanced manufacturing, welding, and industrial maintenance at campuses statewide. Completing a registered apprenticeship through the Kentucky Labor Cabinet's apprenticeship office gives candidates a direct path into skilled trades roles. Employers in automotive and aerospace often prefer candidates who have earned a National Career Readiness Certificate through Kentucky's workforce development programs.
Which companies hire manufacturing workers in Kentucky?
Kentucky manufacturing roles are posted by Jabil, GE Appliances, and Sheridan and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Kentucky's automotive and industrial base means many of these employers operate large, multi-shift facilities that hire continuously across skill levels.
Which Kentucky cities have the most manufacturing jobs?
Florence, Louisville, and Lexington have the most manufacturing openings in Kentucky right now. Louisville anchors the state's largest concentration of automotive, appliance, and distribution employers, while Lexington and Bowling Green benefit from Toyota's flagship assembly operations and a dense network of automotive supplier plants that feed those facilities throughout south-central Kentucky.
Are there remote manufacturing jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing work is fundamentally hands-on and tied to a physical facility, so most roles require on-site presence. About 11% of manufacturing openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to be in process engineering, quality systems management, or manufacturing operations planning rather than production floor roles.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing worker in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to production associate or general labor roles at large Kentucky plants, which regularly hire candidates without prior manufacturing experience and provide on-the-job training. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky and Ford's Louisville facilities run structured new-hire onboarding that trains workers from scratch. Enrolling in a short-term industrial certification program at a Kentucky Community and Technical College System campus, particularly in forklift operation or basic welding, gives applicants a measurable edge over competitors with no credentials.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to manufacturing jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings from employers hiring now. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your skills and experience level, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 49 Manufacturing Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing Jobs