Director of Process Engineering
HSM (Hickory Springs Manufacturing) Company, Hickory, North Carolina, United States, 28601
Hickory Metal Plant
Hickory, NC 28602, USA
Founded in 1944, HSM is athird generation, privately held company with a rich history of innovation and a commitment to our people. With 25 locations across the U.S. and corporate headquarters in Hickory, NC and Huntersville, NC, we specialize in manufacturing components for furniture, bedding, transportation, packaging, automotive, and healthcare industries. Our expertise also includes designing and building automated production machinery. HSM products from sofa springs to swimming pool noodles and bus seats, touch everyday life in countless ways.
At HSM, our success is built on our people. We foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and shared success. If you’re looking for a meaningful place to grow and make an impact, we want to hear from you!
What You Will Do
Lead Manufacturing Process Strategy
Establish standardized engineering processes across stamping, welding, riveting, painting, foam molding, cut & sew, and assembly operations Ensure consistent documentation including PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, and validation processes Drive compliance with IATF, VDA, and ISO manufacturing standards Partner with plant leadership to improve process capability and resolve systemic issues
Advance Automation & Smart Manufacturing
Provide leadership and direction for controls engineering, robotics, and vision system integration Support development of automation roadmaps aligned with long‑term capital strategy Improve production visibility through manufacturing data systems and real‑time reporting Partner with operations and IT to advance Industry 4.0 initiatives
Drive New Product & Process Launches
Lead process engineering support for new product introductions across multiple facilities Partner on APQP activities including line design, validation builds, and PPAP readiness Ensure manufacturing readiness prior to start of production Establish launch metrics and monitor performance during ramp‑up
Improve Operational Performance
Identify opportunities to improve throughput, labor utilization, and cycle time Reduce scrap and improve process capability through data‑driven decisions Lead cross‑functional continuous improvement initiatives and Kaizen events Standardize best practices across plants to drive consistency and efficiency
Build and Develop Engineering Talent
Mentor and develop a high‑performing process engineering team Establish clear performance expectations and development pathways Promote collaboration across Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations Support technical capability growth across the organization
What You Bring
Leadership Experience
10+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering leadership Experience supporting multi‑site manufacturing operations Proven ability to lead teams through change and drive standardization across facilities Strong executive communication and influencing skills
Technical Manufacturing Expertise
Deep knowledge of metal stamping, welding, assembly, and related manufacturing processes Experience improving process capability, throughput, and operational efficiency Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
Product Launch & Quality Systems Knowledge
Experience supporting APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and PPAP processes Familiarity with IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and ISO manufacturing standards Background preparing organizations for audits and maintaining engineering documentation
Automation & Systems Integration
Experience working with controls engineering teams and PLC‑based manufacturing systems Knowledge of robotics, vision systems, and automated production environments Familiarity with manufacturing data systems and digital performance monitoring
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field Advanced degree is a plus
Ability to travel up to 30% to support multi‑site operations, launches, and engineering initiatives. Why Join Us
Health & Wellness : Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including an innovative global healthcare option for qualified participants. Retire :401(k) with company match, fully vested from day one. Paid Time Off : Competitive PTO: 3 Weeks of Vacation + 9 company paid holidays. On-Site Medical Clinics : Free for you and covered dependents. Teladoc : 24/7 access with no copay. Professional Development : Tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and career growth opportunities. Discounts : Enjoy discounts with HSM partners, including Dollywood Parks & Resort, Verizon Wireless, and more. EEOC
At HSM, we believe that our diversity creates a productive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectionate or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Lead Manufacturing Process Strategy
Establish standardized engineering processes across stamping, welding, riveting, painting, foam molding, cut & sew, and assembly operations Ensure consistent documentation including PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, and validation processes Drive compliance with IATF, VDA, and ISO manufacturing standards Partner with plant leadership to improve process capability and resolve systemic issues
Advance Automation & Smart Manufacturing
Provide leadership and direction for controls engineering, robotics, and vision system integration Support development of automation roadmaps aligned with long‑term capital strategy Improve production visibility through manufacturing data systems and real‑time reporting Partner with operations and IT to advance Industry 4.0 initiatives
Drive New Product & Process Launches
Lead process engineering support for new product introductions across multiple facilities Partner on APQP activities including line design, validation builds, and PPAP readiness Ensure manufacturing readiness prior to start of production Establish launch metrics and monitor performance during ramp‑up
Improve Operational Performance
Identify opportunities to improve throughput, labor utilization, and cycle time Reduce scrap and improve process capability through data‑driven decisions Lead cross‑functional continuous improvement initiatives and Kaizen events Standardize best practices across plants to drive consistency and efficiency
Build and Develop Engineering Talent
Mentor and develop a high‑performing process engineering team Establish clear performance expectations and development pathways Promote collaboration across Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations Support technical capability growth across the organization
What You Bring
Leadership Experience
10+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering leadership Experience supporting multi‑site manufacturing operations Proven ability to lead teams through change and drive standardization across facilities Strong executive communication and influencing skills
Technical Manufacturing Expertise
Deep knowledge of metal stamping, welding, assembly, and related manufacturing processes Experience improving process capability, throughput, and operational efficiency Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
Product Launch & Quality Systems Knowledge
Experience supporting APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and PPAP processes Familiarity with IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, and ISO manufacturing standards Background preparing organizations for audits and maintaining engineering documentation
Automation & Systems Integration
Experience working with controls engineering teams and PLC‑based manufacturing systems Knowledge of robotics, vision systems, and automated production environments Familiarity with manufacturing data systems and digital performance monitoring
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field Advanced degree is a plus
Ability to travel up to 30% to support multi‑site operations, launches, and engineering initiatives. Why Join Us
Health & Wellness : Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including an innovative global healthcare option for qualified participants. Retire :401(k) with company match, fully vested from day one. Paid Time Off : Competitive PTO: 3 Weeks of Vacation + 9 company paid holidays. On-Site Medical Clinics : Free for you and covered dependents. Teladoc : 24/7 access with no copay. Professional Development : Tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and career growth opportunities. Discounts : Enjoy discounts with HSM partners, including Dollywood Parks & Resort, Verizon Wireless, and more. EEOC
At HSM, we believe that our diversity creates a productive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectionate or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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