Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

This Manufacturing Engineer role supports the transfer and startup of a manufacturing cell from an existing facility to a new production site. You design and implement the new cell layout, establish process flows, develop fixtures and tooling, create standard work, and train operators to enable a safe, efficient, and repeatable production launch. You work closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to stabilize the new cell, improve first pass yield, support on-time delivery, and ensure the operation can meet customer demand at standard production rates.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the full transfer of an existing manufacturing cell and processes into a new production site.
• Plan and implement manufacturing cell layouts, including equipment placement, workstations, and material flow paths.
• Develop cell layouts that improve safety, ergonomics, material flow, quality, and production efficiency.
• Review existing SOPs and finished units to understand current processes and performance expectations.
• Reverse engineer and rebuild manufacturing processes when direct observation of the existing line is not possible.
• Set up workstations and production flow to replicate and optimize the existing manufacturing environment.
• Create and document standard work, detailed work instructions, process controls, and visual management tools.
• Map and document all processes for the new site to ensure clarity, traceability, and repeatability.
• Develop and implement operator training materials based on standard work and process requirements.
• Train operators on new and existing processes, quality expectations, equipment usage, and safe work practices.
• Ensure operators can consistently meet standard production times to support startup output targets and customer demand.
• Support startup and stabilization of the new cell by identifying risks, resolving issues, and improving first pass yield and throughput.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, delivery, safety, and productivity.
• Maintain production performance to meet on-time delivery goals and standard production rates.
• Collaborate with Quality and suppliers to identify root causes of component or process failures and implement corrective actions.
• Develop fixturing, tooling, and process improvements to support production lines and enhance manufacturability.
• Support qualification of new and revised parts in partnership with engineering and cross-functional teams.
• Implement and improve standard work processes to reduce variation and enhance consistency.
• Apply structured problem-solving and root cause analysis to address process issues and improve key performance indicators, including first pass yield.
• Perform hands-on setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting of manufacturing workflows and equipment.
• Move equipment and workstations as needed to optimize layout and support process changes.
• Contribute to project planning and execution for site consolidation, ensuring milestones are met within the defined timeline.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, or operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing.
• Experience transferring, starting up, or relocating manufacturing cells, production lines, or assembly processes (strongly preferred).
• Proven experience developing manufacturing layouts for cells, lines, or facilities.
• Proven experience creating process flows and mapping end-to-end manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience developing standard work and detailed work instructions.
• Experience creating operator training materials and delivering effective training.
• Able to train operators and clearly communicate process expectations and quality standards.
• Knowledge of engineering drawings and design concepts.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and assembly processes in a production environment.
• Familiarity with fabrication techniques such as casting, molding, and machining.
• Experience with production processes, including monitoring and improving throughput and yield.
• Experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, and project management.
• Ability to interpret SOPs and translate them into practical production workflows.
• Hands-on experience with setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting of manufacturing workflows.
• Ability to lift up to approximately 50 pounds and move equipment or workstations as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with manufacturing transfers and site consolidation projects.
• Experience as a machinist or in maintenance with 2–5 years of hands-on experience.
• Experience as a more senior engineer with full process implementation responsibilities.
• Degree in an engineering discipline is preferred, but relevant hands-on experience is considered.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement visual management tools.
• Experience tracking and improving KPIs such as first pass yield, throughput, and on-time delivery.
• Comfort working in cross-functional teams, including Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering.
• Strong communication skills for documenting processes, training, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work within a defined project timeline and adapt to evolving project needs.