Manufacturing Engineer

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve production line stoppages to minimize downtime and maintain consistent output.
• Analyze root causes of production issues and implement sustainable corrective actions to improve reliability and reduce recurring problems.
• Persistently partner with production leadership and operators to sustain output levels and ensure products meet all quality requirements.
• Maintain, update, and improve process documentation, including standard work instructions and troubleshooting procedures.
• Develop and manage process control plans to ensure stable, repeatable manufacturing performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using structured methodologies and Lean manufacturing tools.
• Apply problem-solving tools, such as 5-Why and 8D, to investigate and resolve complex production challenges.
• Work closely with maintenance and controls teams to address equipment performance issues and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
• Identify and engage vendors, assisting in the development of specifications for tooling, equipment, and materials.
• Design and implement fixtures and tooling that minimize defects, improve ergonomics, and control production costs.
• Document tooling designs and equipment concepts in coordination with R&D and quality teams to ensure alignment with product and process requirements.
• Source, install, and validate new equipment and process tools to support production improvements and automation efforts.
• Support the Finishing Value Stream, including CNC machining, adhesion and adhesive applications, Velcro application, paint preparation and painting, assembly, and packaging.
• Spend approximately 60% of time on the production floor and 40% at a desk, providing hands-on support and engineering analysis.
• Lead or actively participate in root cause analysis efforts and drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Support integration of ERP/MES systems for routings, bills of materials, and process improvement activities.
• Navigate ambiguity and incomplete or not clearly defined processes, helping to create structure, define standards, and build scalable procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support implementation of increased automation within the facility.
• Act as a technical resource and informal leader within the engineering team, helping to relieve workload and drive key projects to completion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering.
• 3+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience.
• Hands-on manufacturing engineering experience, including troubleshooting production processes and equipment.
• SolidWorks design experience for tooling, fixtures, or equipment concepts.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering and process engineering, including development and improvement of production processes.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving for production issues.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles such as SMED, line balancing, and single-piece flow.
• Experience using root cause analysis tools, including 5-Why and 8D.
• Ability to work effectively on the production floor in a fast-paced environment while balancing desk-based engineering work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with production, maintenance, controls, R&D, and quality teams.
• Self-starter mindset with strong work ethic and the ability to operate effectively in environments with limited structure.

Essential Skills

• Advanced knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience with composites and adhesive applications in a manufacturing environment.
• ERP/MES integration experience for routings, bills of materials (BOMs), and process improvements.
• Experience with manufacturing process development, tooling design, machining, and fabrication.
• Background supporting finishing operations such as CNC machining, adhesion, Velcro application, paint preparation and painting, assembly, and packaging.
• Experience working in environments undergoing increased automation and process standardization.
• Strong curiosity, proactive problem-solving approach, and comfort working with ambiguous or evolving processes.