About this role
Hyliion is committed to creating innovative solutions that enable clean, flexible and affordable electricity production. The Company’s primary focus is to develop distributed power generators that can operate on various fuel sources to future-proof against an ever-changing energy economy.
Job Purpose:
The Supervisor, Engine Build is a Player-Coach and a hands-on manufacturing leader responsible for both executing and supervising the precision assembly of KARNO™ linear genset engines. This role spends 50–70% of time on the floor actively overseeing the building engines, while also owning daily production coordination, quality discipline, and technician development.
This position bridges engineering intent and production reality, ensuring engines are built right the first time while continuously improving repeatability, learning velocity, and scale readiness. Success in this role requires deep mechanical skill, strong situational leadership, and the ability to teach by example.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Hands-On Engine Assembly (Player Role)
Oversee and be able to personally perform critical or high-risk engine assembly operations, including:
Free-piston and linear motion assemblies Axial alignment and stack-up sensitive builds Critical sealing interfaces (dynamic and static) Final engine check-out and verification steps
Serve as the go-to technical expert for complex assemblies and rework. Validate new or revised work instructions through first-article builds. Support engine teardown, inspection, and rebuild following test events.
Daily Production Leadership (Coach Role)
Lead daily engine build execution aligned to:
Production & test plans Engineering priorities and change flow
Assign work based on:
Technician skill level Build risk and criticality
Run start-of-shift standups covering:
Safety, Quality and Cleanliness Build priorities and constraints Engineering & Quality updates and lessons learned
Quality & Process Ownership
Own first-time-through build quality at the engine level. Ensure strict adherence to:
Build travelers and work instructions Torque, preload, alignment, and sealing specs Serialization and traceability requirements
Lead immediate containment for:
Assembly errors Fitment or tolerance stack-up issues Seal or cleanliness escapes
Drive corrective actions into:
Standard work Tooling and fixtures Training and qualification requirements
Technician Development & Coaching
Actively train technicians on the floor through:
Side-by-side builds Demonstration of best practices Real-time coaching and feedback
Qualify technicians on:
Critical operations Special processes New or updated build steps
Set and reinforce expectations for:
Craftsmanship Documentation discipline Accountability for quality Behavioral performance in the workplace
Test Feedback & Continuous Improvement
Partner with End of Line (EOL) test and engineering to:
Prepare engines for genset integration and test readiness Support post-test teardown and inspections
Translate test findings into:
Assembly improvements Updated work instructions Risk reduction actions
Support PFMEA updates and error-proofing implementation. Identify opportunities to improve:
Build cycle time Repeatability and yield Ergonomics and safety
Qualifications:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Qualifications:
Education, Experience and Certifications
High school diploma or GED required Technical certification or trade training preferred 6–10 years of precision mechanical assembly experience, including: 2+ years as a lead technician or working supervisor Experience in prototype or pilot build environments Background in one or more of the following:
Advanced engines or power systems Aerospace or pressure systems High-tolerance electromechanical assemblies
Skills and Abilities:
Technical Skills
Expert-level hands-on ability in:
Precision mechanical assembly Linear motion and alignment-sensitive builds Seal installation and verification
Proficiency with:
Torque and preload-controlled fastening Micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, feeler gauges Strong ability to read and interpret: Engineering drawings and GD&T Build travelers and work instructions Comfortable working in rapid iteration environments with frequent ECNs
Leadership Skills
Credibility as a working leader and able to teach through action Strong situational leadership and decision-making skills Clear communication between technicians, engineering, and management Bias toward ownership, accountability, and continuous learning
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with free-piston engines, linear generators, or non-rotating architecture Background in combustion systems, pressure vessels, or thermal-mechanical assemblies Familiarity with ISO 9001 / AS9100-style quality systems Prior involvement in scaling from prototype to pilot production
Role Classification and Working Conditions:
This is an hourly, non-exempt-level position. This position typically works in a manufacturing/production environment. Overtime may be required.
Physical/Other Requirements:
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to travel domestically, as needed, by plane, automobile, etc.
Direct Reports:
This position has or may have direct report(s) and will manage onsite contractors and/or temporary associates.
Benefits:
Medical Plans, with PPO or HDHP options Dental Plans, with buy-up option Vision Plan Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Plans, with buy-up options Short Term Disability, paid for by the company Long Term Disability, paid for by the company Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Health Savings Account (HSA) 401k/Roth 401k Voluntary Accident Plans Voluntary Critical Illness Plans Hospital Indemnity Plan
Hyliion is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, disability, veteran status. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to otherwise participate in the employment selection process, please direct your inquires to Hyliion’s human resources department at [email protected].
