Automation & Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

Kem Krest is seeking an Automation & Manufacturing Engineer to help design, develop, and implement innovative manufacturing and sub-assembly solutions that meet our customers' evolving needs. This role serves as a key link between customer requirements and production execution, working collaboratively with engineering, operations, and technical teams to transform concepts into scalable manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who enjoys tackling complex manufacturing challenges, developing efficient assembly methods, supporting automation initiatives, and driving continuous improvement throughout the production environment.

This position is full-time onsite, 1st shift, in Pleasant Prairie, WI.

Responsibilities

• Partner with customers, operations, and engineering teams to understand manufacturing and sub-assembly requirements and develop effective production solutions.
• Design, evaluate, and improve assembly processes, tooling, fixtures, work cells, and manufacturing methods to support quality, safety, and efficiency goals.
• Determine the appropriate methods, equipment, and process controls needed to support assembly, verification, quality assurance, and traceability requirements.
• Partner with internal automation and technical resources to develop, troubleshoot, support, and continuously improve manufacturing equipment, controls, data collection systems, and assembly processes.
• Support the design, build, validation, and implementation of manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and automation solutions.
• Serve as a key technical resource for production and automation-related issues, identifying root causes, troubleshooting equipment and processes, and coordinating effective solutions.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and workflow analysis to identify opportunities for process improvement, increased throughput, reduced waste, and operational efficiency.
• Support capacity planning, process development, and facility optimization initiatives to ensure manufacturing readiness for current and future programs.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional projects, proactively identifying risks, communicating progress, and driving successful project execution.
• Follow all Kem Krest quality, safety, and customer-specific requirements while maintaining compliance with established procedures and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, automation, industrial engineering, assembly operations, or a related engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process development, equipment integration, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret customer requirements, define process needs, and develop practical manufacturing solutions that meet quality and operational objectives.
• Experience troubleshooting production equipment, process issues, and manufacturing systems in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, root cause problem solving, workflow analysis, and process optimization.
• Effective communication and project management skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, suppliers, and customers.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certifications are preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Bonus Program
• Immediate Health Benefits
• Free On-site Clinics & Prescriptions
• 401K Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Generous PTO & Holiday
• Parental Leave
• Supplier Discounts

Schedule

Full-time, 1st shift, onsite in Pleasant Prairie, WI.