Job Description

Model/Z is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a high-performing team responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining all manufacturing processes in a fast-paced, state-of-the-art production environment. This role combines strategic operations leadership with hands-on manufacturing engineering expertise to ensure scalable production, high product quality, and continuous cost and process improvements. This leader will oversee manufacturing engineering activities from concept through production ramp-up and ongoing operations, working cross-functionally with Product Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams.

SALARY: $90K-$120K

LOCATION: 740 E. 111TH Place, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (WATTS)

SCHEDULE: 9-10 Hour Workdays, 4 days a week (Monday - Thursday), with occasional remote. Friday meetings if needed. 3-4 days per week in person. The schedule is subject to change to an 8-hour, 5-day workweek in the future.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Model/Z is a trailblazing enterprise focused on reinventing multifamily housing through the development of standardized, modular units. Our mission is to provide high-quality, low-cost, and net-zero-ready housing solutions that are both scalable and practical, aiming to significantly mitigate homelessness and enhance living conditions for underrepresented communities. As a majority Black-owned and operated business based in Southern California, Model/Z is poised to establish the first standardized modular housing factory in the region.

Located in the historic Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles, Model/Z is committed to revitalizing communities by employing local community members and paying living wages. Our innovative approach revolutionizes construction, transforming a traditional linear process into a parallel manufacturing system that allows us to build high-quality apartment homes in a factory before the concrete is even poured on-site. By empowering Black and Brown families and institutions and unlocking the value of underutilized land, Model/Z embodies a model of equitable growth, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Southern California and beyond.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers, technicians, and production support personnel.
• Allocate resources effectively, including labor, equiptment and project priorities.
• Define long-term and short-term departmental goals and align manufacturing engineering strategies with overall business objectives.
• Drive operational excellence through standardization, workflow optimization, and implementation of best practices.
• Oversee creation, validation, and continuous improvements of manufacturing processes to ensure scalability, efficiency, and quality.
• Lead process validation exercises, including cycletimes studies, labor requirements, tooling needs, and work instructions development.
• Manage and optimize factory layout, resource utilization, and production flow.
• Develop comprehensive work instructions, process documentation, routings, and workflows in MES systems.
• Oversee design and implementation of tooling, jigs, and fixtures to improve throughput and quality.
• Lead time studies, data analysism and process capability evaluations to establish standards and improve productivity.
• Drive first builds, prototyping efforts, and mBOM development for new assemblies or products.
• Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives that reduce costs, enhance safety, and increase operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate manufacturing documentation documentation including SOPs, process flowcharts, equipment specifications, and test methods.
• Work closely with Product Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production to ensure manufacturability, quality, and successful product launches.
• Support shop-floor teams through responsive problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Lead operating reviews and manage ramp-up readiness for new manufacturing setups.

• Complete other tasks and projects assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field required.
• 5 plus years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including 2 plus years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong background in manufacturing engineering, process development, and cross-functional project leadership.
• Experience with GD&T, CAD modeling (SolidWORKS, Inventor, AutoCAD), and manufacturing execution systems preferred.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, quality control, and Lean principles.
• Ability to define and build processes from the ground up, including documentation and training.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across functions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Ability to present information in a concise and easily understood manner.

Benefits

Model/Z offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as pet insurance, sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and bereavement days. This package is designed to provide employees with a range of important benefits that help to support their physical and emotional well-being, while also providing financial protection and peace of mind.

At Model/Z, we believe work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.