Sr. Manager - Manufacturing (Automotive)

Location: Costa Mesa, California, United States. The role requires regular work in a manufacturing environment and time on the production floor, with up to 10% travel to TRD facilities and motorsports events.

Salary: $176,400–$305,800 annual base salary

Company

Toyota Racing Development advances automotive engineering and motorsports performance through high-quality racing and commercial components.

What you will do

• Lead TRD's manufacturing operation, balancing strategic direction, short-term goals, floor-level engagement, and key performance metrics.
• Manage Manufacturing Engineering activities covering process definition, advanced CNC programming, tooling, fixturing, and high-tolerance 5-axis components.
• Oversee Production Control across low-volume race components and higher-volume commercial components, targeting OEE of at least 80% across 18+ CNC machines.
• Lead Quality Control for internally manufactured and globally sourced tight-tolerance components.
• Coordinate with Planning/Purchasing, Design Engineering, Race Engine Build, Commercial Assembly, and EHS teams.
• Evaluate and implement automation, robotics, and AI-assisted tools to improve efficiency, quality, and manufacturing capability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Operations Management; a master's degree is a plus.
• At least 10 years of experience in a high-precision, automated 5-axis CNC environment, including at least 5 years in leadership.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing process definition, optimization, production scheduling, inspection methods, and OEE-based performance management.
• Advanced experience with complex, tight-tolerance, 5-axis high-speed milling and ERP/MRP or similar shop-floor management software.
• Experience leading 40+ employees across multiple functions and managing managers.
• Ability to lift 20 lb and work on the manufacturing floor is required.

Nice to have

• Experience with CAM, CAD, and toolpath verification software, especially HyperMill; Creo and Vericut experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted tools, including LLMs for analysis, documentation, and process improvement.
• Experience with billet, forging, and casting materials, production fixtures, tooling, and mixed-volume production schedules.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Team-oriented, flexible, and respectful work environment.
• Professional development programs and tuition reimbursement.
• Health care, wellness plans, vehicle purchase and lease programs, paid holidays, and paid time off.
• 401(k) plan with company match and an annual retirement contribution.
• Flexible spending accounts and family support services.
• Relocation assistance may be available.