Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Engineering; IL

Job Title:

Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Engineering (IL) (1381)

Pay Range: $112,540 - $135,065

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage with 100% Company Paid Premiums
• 401K plan with 4% Employer Matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts for added financial flexibility
• Grocery Allowance to support your well-being
• Pet Insurance for your furry companions

This position will be for the new manufacturing facility in Joliet and will initially be employed by Hyundai Translead's corporate office but remote from the State of Illinois to support the launch of the company’s new manufacturing facility before transitioning to full time onsite once the facility is operational. The Manager, Manufacturing Engineering is responsible for leading manufacturing engineering strategy and execution to support safe, efficient, and cost‑effective trailer manufacturing operations.

This position designs, implements, and optimizes production lines, manufacturing processes, and equipment systems across assembly, welding, and parts fabrication environments.

• Develop and execute manufacturing engineering strategies supporting mid‑to‑long‑term plant objectives
• Design production lines and layout concepts for dry and reefer trailer manufacturing
• Lead equipment design concepts, installation, commissioning, and production trials
• Drive automation initiatives, including robotic welding systems and automated manufacturing methods
• Optimize manpower, productivity, takt time, capacity planning, and line balancing
• Establish standard work, work instructions, and time study methodologies
• Measure, validate, and improve man‑hour standards (STD, target, actual)
• Identify and execute cost‑reduction and manufacturing method improvement initiatives
• Collaborate cross‑functionally and globally with manufacturing engineering teams, including Mexico operations
• Lead, develop, and mentor manufacturing engineering teams and technical talent
• Establish engineering strategies aligned to plant objectives
• Oversee multiple teams and major capital projects
• Lead plant‑wide process design and cost‑reduction programs
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
• Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible manufacturing engineering experience
• Proven experience leading large engineering teams and capital projects
• Experience in trailer, commercial vehicle, or similar manufacturing industries

• Project management experience supporting new line or plant ramp‑ups
• Experience with large‑scale welding automation (robot cells, gantries, positioners)
• Experience supporting new plant launches or major facility expansions

• Up to 10%

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Hyundai Translead is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

If you require accommodation to complete Hyundai Translead's employment application, please reach out to

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position they are hired for.