Process Engineer

Department: Engineering

Location: Sacramento, CA

Compensation: $80K – $100K • Offers Equity

Employment Type: FullTime

Who we are:

Aro Homes is a thriving, purpose-driven company on a mission to redefine residential construction. Aro Homes was founded to create well designed, precision engineered homes that are beautiful, livable, and durable, while being built multiple times faster and having a positive impact on the environment.

We are a diverse and experienced group of passionate and curious designers, builders, engineers, product developers, and businesspeople who are passionate about and committed to delivering on our mission. We’ve demonstrated there is a massive opportunity to reduce waste and improve sustainability while building homes in a fraction of the time it takes traditionally. We utilize a repeatable, multi-disciplinary, and product-driven approach which is unique in the industry. We are funded by world-class investors who care about transforming industries for the better, including Eric Schmidt’s Innovation Endeavors. If you share the desire to leave a lasting positive impact on the world and to join a strong culture of intelligent, passionate people, then let’s start a conversation.

What you will be responsible for:

The Process Engineer is a hands-on manufacturing operator–engineer who improves how work gets done on the floor. This role partners daily with Production, Quality, and Maintenance to stabilize processes, reduce waste, and lead lean improvement efforts that measurably reduce labor hours per home and improve throughput, safety, and quality. You’ll help turn indoor construction into precision assembly—designing the production system, not just maintaining it.

What You’ll Do:

• Own process performance in assigned areas: Monitor output, cycle times, scrap/rework, and constraints; drive actions to improve stability and flow.

• Lead lean improvement work: Facilitate kaizen events and rapid experiments; apply standard lean tools (5S, standard work, visual management, root cause, error-proofing).

• Develop and sustain standard work: Create/refresh work instructions, time studies, staffing models, and line balance to reduce variation and labor content.

• Problem-solve quality and productivity losses: Run structured RCA (A3/8D/5-Why), implement corrective actions, and verify sustained results.

• Support new product/process introduction: Collaborate with Design/Engineering to improve manufacturability (DFM/DFA), implement changes, and de-risk launches.

• Improve layout and material flow: Optimize station design, point-of-use material, kitting, and internal logistics to reduce motion and waiting.

• Train and coach: Build CI capability with supervisors and hourly teams; coach leaders to sustain improvements through daily management.

• Data-driven decision making: Use production data and direct observation (gemba) to identify the biggest opportunities; build simple dashboards/visuals that drive action.

What success looks like (first 90–180 days):

• Establishes credible presence on the floor; builds trust with Production.

• Delivers 2–4 measurable improvements (labor hours, cycle time, rework reduction, safety risk reduction).

• Implements sustainable standard work + visual management in at least one key production area.

• Creates a prioritized improvement roadmap tied to labor hours per home and throughput.

What You’ll Bring:

• 5+ years of operational manufacturing experience (not purely desk-based); demonstrated “in the trenches” process ownership.

• Strong lean manufacturing background with evidence of leading improvements (kaizen, standard work, 5S, RCA).

• Proficiency with basic manufacturing metrics (cycle time, takt, OEE concepts, FPY, rework, throughput).

• Ability to communicate effectively with hourly teams and leaders; strong facilitation and influence without authority.

• Comfortable in a fast-changing environment; willing to be on the floor daily.

What We Prefer You'll Bring:

• Experience in construction, building products, prefab/modular manufacturing, or similar multi-trade, high-mix environments.

• Familiarity with wood framing, MEP rough-in, interior finish processes, or related assemblies.

• Experience with time studies, line balancing, layout optimization, and ergonomic improvements.

• Formal CI training (Lean, Six Sigma Yellow/Green Belt, etc.).

Working conditions:

• On-site in a manufacturing environment; requires time on the production floor.

• Occasional lifting/standing/walking; PPE required in designated areas.

Why this role matters:

This role directly supports cost, schedule, and quality outcomes by reducing labor hours per home through disciplined process engineering and lean execution.

What we offer:

• Opportunity to join an outstanding start-up team and grow a purpose –driven company from the ground up.

• Competitive salary package.

• Medical/dental/vision benefits.

• Equity in the company.

At Aro Homes, we are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to fill out an application, please do not hesitate to let us know at [email protected]. If you’re excited about this role, but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply.