Manufacturing Engineer III

About the role

The Manufacturing Engineer III supports Vollrath Operations with a focus on process definition and continuous improvement. Work includes collection and study of production and quality data, engineering analysis, problem solving, work‑cell layout, cost/capital analysis, project management, creation of technical specifications, and application of lean practices.

Responsibilities

• Primary responsibility for support of specified Vollrath manufacturing lines, including daily sustaining work such as throughput improvements, quality improvements, recommendations for capital improvements, and new‑product‑development (NPD) participation.
• Establish and maintain documentation for work‑cell design, equipment specifications, shop‑floor work instructions, and routings.
• Apply advanced problem‑solving techniques to complex assignments across the operation, utilizing statistical methods as part of the evaluation.
• Design, specify, and supervise the installation of equipment and machinery.
• Train maintenance staff and operators on new equipment and expected product flow through a work cell.
• Identify and establish safety measures for equipment and work cells.
• Identify profit‑improvement opportunities through automation, methods/flow analysis, motion economy, etc.
• Develop programs and approaches to achieve the company’s profit‑improving objectives, including gathering facts, developing solutions, making and selling recommendations, implementation, and follow‑up.
• Facilitate and lead large, complex project teams.
• Lead and/or participate in lean events.
• Apply extensive knowledge of industrial/manufacturing engineering concepts such as work measurement, work‑cell layout, motion economy, and material‑flow analysis.
• Work independently with very limited supervision while maintaining effective personal contact across all organizational lines.
• Lead and/or participate in quality‑improvement, scrap‑reduction, or warranty‑reduction teams.
• Confers with Design Engineering concerning product design and tooling to ensure efficient production methods.
• Consult with vendors to determine product specifications, arrange purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standards.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May have Junior Engineer or Analyst(s) reporting to this position.

Working Conditions

• Professional office environment connected to a manufacturing facility; extended periods of sitting and PC work.
• Occasional walking on the manufacturing floor requiring appropriate personal protective equipment and navigation of uneven surfaces.
• Lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds occasionally; bending, squatting, twisting rarely.
• Very limited exposure to adverse environmental conditions; minimal exposure to equipment, machinery, powered industrial vehicle traffic, and some chemicals.
• Travel: None.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (preferably Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering).
• Graduate degree in Engineering or Business preferred.
• Candidates without a 4‑year technical degree may be considered if they have a minimum of 10 + years of successful experience in Operations or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience; 7 + years preferred.
• Solid technical skills with background in metal forming, tooling, and assembly‑line production (desirable).
• Strong aptitude for problem solving.
• Demonstrated experience working within and supporting a quality system.
• Excellent project organization and leadership skills; detail‑oriented.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑starter with a strong “sense of urgency”.
• Ability to work both independently and with cross‑functional teams.
• Familiarity with lean practices.
• Experience in successful product launches through a new product development (NPD) process.

Core Values

• Take Ownership: Match actions with words, building trust and taking responsibility for Vollrath’s success.
• Treat All People with Respect: Recognize diverse experiences, styles, and backgrounds; foster an inclusive culture where everyone can be authentic and safe to voice perspectives.
• Empower Action: Create a workplace where members thrive, contribute with excitement and psychological safety, and receive resources to strengthen collaboration and performance.
• Commitment to Those Who Count on Us: Drive innovation and practical solutions by understanding the needs of coworkers, customers, owners, and communities, and proactively delivering results.
• Life Beyond Work: Care for the well‑being of every individual, ensuring mental and physical safety, encouraging balance, and supporting colleagues in pursuing passions outside of work.