Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

A Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for process ownership, integration, and improvement of assigned component parts and processes. This role focuses on driving safety, quality, productivity, schedule attainment, and yield maximization goals while collaborating with cross-functional teams to continuously improve manufacturing systems through engineering and operational excellence principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead root cause and prevention initiatives, analyzing existing process parameters to improve workplace safety, first-time product acceptance, defect detection, and throughput capabilities.
• Incorporate design for safety and human factors into all process integrations and improvements.
• Develop and implement manufacturing engineering disciplines, including FMEA, control plans, process improvement, tooling/gauging/workstation design, and lean principles.
• New Product Launch: Design processes, manage cost planning, budgets, capital approvals, machine specifications, project schedules, equipment validation, and control documentation.
• Provide direct production line support through cross-functional team (CFT) activities for safety, quality, productivity, and cost management.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance (QA) department to plan, execute, and document countermeasures for quality issues.
• Manage process changes through planning, testing, implementation, and documentation revision.
• Train production and maintenance teams on new equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with Program Engineering to implement necessary manufacturing process changes.
• Demonstrate subject matter expertise on assigned component parts and processes, sharing best practices across the enterprise.
• Evaluate and improve manufacturing processes at the workstation level, focusing on tooling, fixtures, presses, gauges, and instrumentation.
• Design and complete FMEA and Control Plan documentation to ensure Quality Management System (QMS) compliance.
• Translate assembly build outcomes into clear operating instructions for safe, high-quality, and efficient production.
• Implement proven solutions across common components and processes enterprise-wide.
• Engage in daily process improvement with front-line teams to evaluate, support, and sustain robust processes.
• Develop action plans with Program and Quality Engineering teams for process and quality improvements.
• Translate customer product specifications into cost-effective manufacturing methods and processes.
• Lead process improvements and complete redesigns to reduce costs and increase throughput speed.
• Utilize operational excellence tools to streamline production systems, aiming for one-piece flow and reduced work-in-process inventory.
• Develop improved tooling and inspection equipment to support operational goals.
• Review customer-supplied BOMs and develop internal manufacturing BOMs according to company standards.
• Interface with customer engineering resources to meet demand and quality goals.
• Prepare and submit new process change documentation and validation plans (PPAP) for customer approval.
• Develop and present new process floor layout proposals for customer and leadership approval.
• Coordinate the launch of new products based on timing goals.
• Troubleshoot operational capability, quality, capacity, and equipment reliability issues, facilitating root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Propose methods to improve worker efficiency and reduce waste, such as reorganizing workflow or relocating workstations.
• Analyze business demands and develop forward-looking capital spend plans.
• Mentor and train subordinate production and engineering staff.
• Provide regular status reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager.
• Adhere to IATF and ISO 14001 policies, procedures, and work rules related to operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, technology, or physical science discipline.
• 5-10 years of proven manufacturing engineering experience driving process integration and improvement.
• Experience leading and improving manufacturing processes both independently and in teams.
• Practical knowledge of engineering mechanics, physics, hydraulics, electronics, pneumatics, machine design/operation, and computer software.
• Thorough understanding of automatic transmissions and internal combustion engines.
• 5+ years of experience assembling complex mechanical assemblies.
• High level of analytical ability for solving unusual and difficult problems.
• 5+ years of experience with Lean manufacturing principles and tools.
• 5+ years of experience prioritizing tasks and estimating project time and costs.
• Experience creating and communicating tool design concepts using advanced design tools (e.g., ACAD).

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret manufacturing documents, drawings, prints, safety rules, operating instructions, machine schematics, and repair manuals.
• Strong written communication skills for detailed reports with supporting documentation and data.
• Superior communication and escalation skills for interacting with customers, team members, and leadership.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and design software applications.
• Strong mathematical problem-solving skills, including the ability to compute rates, ratios, percentages, and interpret graphs.
• Ability to utilize and interpret statistical methods and results.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving for complex issues with limited known variables.
• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical Demands

The role requires regular communication (talking/hearing) and frequent standing, walking, and use of hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and may need to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment involves frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, and risk of electrical shock. Occasional exposure to vibration and moderate noise levels is expected.