Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

This role leads the manufacturing lifecycle of products from prototype through pilot and full-scale production, ensuring robust processes, high quality, and efficient transitions. The Manufacturing Engineer applies structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize manufacturing performance, support new product introduction, and drive corrective actions across internal and external stakeholders.

This is a contract position based in Rochester, MN, within a production-focused manufacturing environment. The role involves regular interaction with production lines, engineering teams, quality personnel, and external customers. You will use standard productivity tools such as Microsoft Office and web-based conferencing platforms like WebEx to communicate, report status, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Take full manufacturing responsibility for assigned products, leading them through prototype, pilot, and production builds.
• Oversee the implementation of customer documentation changes and internal change orders to ensure accurate and up-to-date manufacturing instructions.
• Report on the status of new product launch (NPL) activities, including progress, risks, and issues impacting manufacturing readiness.
• Use statistical tools to analyze process data and lead quality improvement initiatives within the customer team.
• Drive internal and external corrective action plans, ensuring timely resolution of issues and prevention of recurrence.
• Actively participate in new customer development and new business development activities by providing manufacturing input and support.
• Analyze line return information to identify trends, understand root causes, and drive corrective actions on manufacturing process issues.
• Perform product-level testing and validation activities as required to support manufacturing and quality objectives.
• Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and collaborate with Test Engineering on Design for Testability (DFT) to ensure products are optimized for production and testing.
• Assist in developing project proposals and associated cost estimates, providing manufacturing process and cost input.
• Execute a product’s transitional manufacturing requirements and process approaches, ensuring smooth transfer from development to full-scale production.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of customers’ products as required to support transitional activities and ongoing manufacturing support.
• Document and resolve moderately complex cross-departmental and cross-functional issues using structured problem-solving tools.
• Prepare and maintain clear work instructions and process documentation to support consistent and compliant manufacturing operations.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external customers to provide updates, clarify requirements, and address manufacturing-related concerns.
• Support and promote continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing and Six Sigma projects, to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Manage multiple tasks and priorities, taking on additional responsibilities as required to support production and business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience as a manufacturing engineer in a production setting.
• Manufacturing engineering experience, including ownership of manufacturing processes from prototype to production.
• Process engineering and manufacturing process development experience.
• Demonstrated ability to solve and document moderately complex cross-departmental issues using structured problem-solving tools.
• Engineering-level understanding of electronic components, circuits, and systems or mechanical components and systems, depending on education and experience.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies, including lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Project management experience related to manufacturing and new product introduction.
• Experience with assembly processes and development of work instructions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for internal and external customers.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups.
• Effective multitasking skills with the ability to take on additional responsibilities as required.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills, with demonstrated high attention to detail.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and guidance, exercising discretion, independent judgment, and professionalism.
• Understanding of and ability to use continuous improvement tools in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong customer service orientation and client focus.
• Working knowledge of productivity tools, including Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to use web-based conferencing tools such as WebEx for communication and collaboration.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience in medical device manufacturing or similarly regulated industries.
• Lean Six Sigma experience or certification.
• Experience supporting Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Testability (DFT).
• Experience assisting with project proposals and cost estimation for manufacturing activities.
• Experience in analyzing line return information and driving process-related corrective actions.
• Demonstrated ability to document and solve moderate to complex cross-functional challenges using structured problem-solving tools.
• Experience working closely with cross-functional teams, including Test Engineering, Quality, and Operations.
• Comfort with presenting technical information to internal teams and external customers.
• Familiarity with implementing and maintaining work instructions and process documentation in a production environment.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $55.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite position in Rochester, MN.