Manufacturing Engineer II

Manufacturing Engineer II

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a growing presence in the commercial pool market. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating systems, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control, and energy solutions at our company-owned facilities worldwide. This position is based in Clemmons, NC.

At Hayward, we believe in delivering innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions that enhance well-being. As a Manufacturing Engineer II, you will take a lead role in driving manufacturing excellence by developing and optimizing robust production processes. You will serve as a technical leader within the plant, owning complex projects, improving production systems, and mentoring junior engineers while collaborating cross-functionally to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost performance.

Responsibilities

1. Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality, repeatable, and cost-effective production.
2. Drive cycle time reduction, waste elimination, and throughput improvements using Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies.
3. Design and optimize production layouts, material flow, and workforce utilization to maximize safety, productivity, and scalability.
4. Lead capital equipment evaluation, justification, sourcing, and implementation for new and existing product lines.
5. Develop and maintain process documentation including PFMEA, control plans, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
6. Analyze production data, identify root causes of performance gaps, and implement corrective and preventative actions.
7. Support new product introductions by partnering with design engineering to ensure manufacturability and smooth production ramp-up.
8. Mentor and provide technical guidance to Manufacturing Engineer I and production team members.
9. Collaborate with operations leadership, supply chain, quality, and maintenance teams to achieve plant performance targets.
10. Provide cost modeling and ROI analysis for process improvements and capital investments.
11. Champion safety, quality, and sustainability initiatives within the manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering (Engineering Technology considered with relevant experience).
• 5–10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement initiatives with measurable results (cycle time reduction, OEE improvement, scrap reduction, cost savings).
• Experience with assembly equipment, automation systems, machining, or high-volume production environments.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or other 3D modeling software.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems and process monitoring tools preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, root cause analysis, and FMEA.
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.

Preferred:

• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent CI certification.
• Experience supporting capital equipment projects or automation integration.