Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

The Manufacturing Engineer plans, directs, and coordinates optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods by product specifications and quality standards. This role ensures manufacturing processes function efficiently, safely, and effectively, requiring a thorough understanding of company standards and equipment to guide operators. The position collaborates with operators on efficiency and quality tasks, including troubleshooting, revising drawings and process sheets, verifying product conformance, and training operators.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Process Design and Development
  • Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods and processes.
  • Analyze and plan workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow using computer-assisted design software to create efficient layouts.
  • Collaborate with planning and design staff on product design and tooling to ensure efficient production methods.
  • Confer with vendors to determine product specifications, arrange purchases, and evaluate products against quality standards.
  • Communicate with management to develop production and design standards.
  • Coordinate with management, engineering, and other staff on manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and related considerations.
  • Estimate production times, staffing requirements, and related costs for management decisions.
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate all manufacturing process and equipment changes; define, design, and refine an Asset Maintenance Plan.
  • Apply statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements.
  • Design, develop, test, and source tools, machinery, and equipment for recommended manufacturing methods.
  • Review and calculate labor, material, and production costs; analyze schedules and future requirements to assist management decision-making.
  • Provide management with reports on production processes, schedules, and methods to inform future requirements.
  • Ensure manufacturing processes comply with all government laws and regulations.
• Manufacturing Process Operations
  • Manage process-related tooling for each production run.
  • Verify conformance of components to customer specifications.
  • Review inventory and ordering plans for efficiency.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot line operations, equipment, and machine failures.
  • Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs, ensuring adherence to manufacturer procedures.
  • Work with the Maintenance department to implement effective predictive and preventative maintenance programs.
  • Support Plant Manager, supervisors, and employees on daily production and shipping challenges.
  • Manage and conduct employee training for productivity improvement projects (e.g., 5S and lean).
  • Train operators on safe and effective use of plant equipment and machinery.
  • Create and maintain manufacturing process documentation, including flowcharts, capacity studies, standard operating procedures, and cycle time analysis.
  • Issue and revise drawing and process sheets based on continuous improvement.
• Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing
  • Analyze weekly production results, identify deficiencies, and implement improvements.
  • Evaluate new and existing systems, processes, and materials to identify value-added and non-value-added activities.
  • Recommend improvements to quality control processes.
  • Identify opportunities to prevent waste and inefficiency in production.
  • Design, test, and develop innovative solutions to production problems.
  • Implement continuous improvement in capability and scrap reduction.
  • Evaluate employee tasks and responsibilities to improve productivity and reduce defects.
  • Work with all organizational levels to identify and implement process improvements.
  • Design and implement lean manufacturing methods to meet regulatory compliance and improve efficiencies.
  • Utilize Six Sigma and lean tools to reduce downtime, increase production, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Track lean manufacturing metrics to inform process management and future improvements.
  • Lead change management activities and ensure solution adaptability.

Requirements

• Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent technical/engineering field. Master’s Degree a plus.
  • 3-5+ years of related experience, preferably in engineering.
  • 1-3 years of engineering experience in manufacturing or assembly processes preferred.
  • Experience designing, operating, troubleshooting, or maintaining complex production machinery is desirable.
  • Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects.
  • Significant “hands-on” experience with the ability to recognize problems, predict outcomes, and implement countermeasures quickly.
• Computer Skills
  • Ability to use personal computers with spreadsheet, word processing, and database software.
  • Advanced/Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint).
  • Experience with SharePoint and NAV; ability to learn new systems quickly.
  • Knowledge of computer or PLC-based machine control systems is desirable.
  • CAD experience (AutoCAD, Inventor, or SolidWorks) is desirable.
  • Experience using CAD or CAM software.
  • Knowledge of computer-assisted drafting software; AutoCAD preferred.
• Certificates, Certifications, Licenses
  • Professional engineering licensure is preferred.
  • Six Sigma certification is preferred.

Skills

• Communications
• Customer Focus
• Problem Solving
• Flexibility
• Facilitating Change
• Quality Orientation
• Cost Consciousness
• Fostering Teamwork
• Safety Focus
• Creativity and Innovation
• Global Mindset
• Valuing Diversity
• Accountability & Dependability
• Demonstrating Beliefs and Principles
• Integrity, Trust, & Respect
• Self-Development & Continual Learning
• Diagnostic Information Gathering
• Leveraging Customer Networks