Manufacturing Process Engineer

About the role

Burkert USA in Huntersville, NC manages precision manufacturing operations producing valves, sensors, and fluid control systems for global markets in Pharma/Biotech, Food and Beverage, Laboratory & Analytical, and Energy industries.

Responsibilities

• Manage efficiency of CNC machine systems and standard components.
• Drive spindle time optimization across turning, milling, and multi-axis machining cells.
• Conduct time studies, cycle time analysis, capacity modeling to identify improvement opportunities.
• Continuously improve machine scheduling practices using SAP.
• Use the Siemens TMGR Tool Manager for tool presetting, tool life management, and structured tool building.
• Define and enforce setup standards.
• Analyze and reduce machine downtime.
• Partner with CNC programmers on CAM strategy improvements.
• Lead root cause analysis on scrap, rework, and non-conformances originating in machining.
• Serve as the Huntersville site's SYNCHRO+ lead for the Manufacturing area.
• Develop and execute a structured improvement roadmap between audit cycles.
• Lead and facilitate improvement workshops.
• Ensure annual instruction plans are current and compliant.
• Author and maintain Factory Standards (FSTs), work instructions, BOPs, control plans, and process flow documentation for all manufacturing processes.
• Maintain digital machine handbooks (SI08) for production CNC equipment.
• Establish structured filing practices on the production drive.
• Drive poka-yoke implementation across machining setups and inspection processes.
• Support welding process development.
• Contribute to process improvements in secondary operations (deburring, washing, inspection, surface treatment) as part of the full manufacturing value stream.
• Engage with intralogistics improvements (material flow, milk running, kitting, and staging) as they interface with machining cell efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Quality organization on inspection methodology, gage management, SPC implementation, and non-conformance investigation as they relate to machined components.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline is required.
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification if available.
• 3 - 8 years of progressive experience in a precision CNC machining environment, including hands-on work with turning, milling, and multi-axis machining of close-tolerance components in metals (stainless steel, brass, aluminum) and/or engineered plastics.
• Direct experience with SAP production modules.
• Hands-on experience with tool management systems.
• Experience leading Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping sessions, and 5S programs in a machining or fabrication environment.
• CAD/CAM proficiency with Siemens NX, Mastercam, or equivalent software. Vericut simulation experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with GD&T (ASME Y14.5), precision measurement techniques, and CMM-based inspection processes as they apply to machined components.
• OEE measurement and analysis.
• Experience with Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen event facilitation, 5S/6S workplace organization, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Single-Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED).
• Experience with DMAIC methodology, statistical process control (SPC) and control charts, Design of Experiments (DOE), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and structured root cause analysis.
• Experience with Factory Standards, BOP’s, control plans, and process documentation.
• Required Leadership behaviors: Practitioner mindset, Independent and balanced perspective, ownership, willingness to learn adjacent processes and grow the role over time.