Senior Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

Milwaukee Electronics is seeking a hands‑on Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead complex electronic products from early manufacturing review and New Product Introduction (NPI) through launch and full production at the Milwaukee facility. The role shapes manufacturing processes, tooling, documentation, and technical decisions while solving real production challenges across SMT, mechanical assembly, and test operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing process development for new programs from quote/DFM review through first‑article and production release, coordinating across NPI phases.
• Review customer data packages (BOM, Gerbers, assembly drawings, specifications) to define manufacturing requirements, design for manufacturability, and translate them into work instructions, MES steps, and ERP routings.
• Influence Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) by engaging early with Program Management and Customer Engineering and applying internal guidelines, standards, and production‑floor lessons learned.
• Design, specify, and coordinate fabrication of tooling, fixtures, stencils, and test fixtures; source vendors and develop cost estimates for capital or tooling spend.
• Support build events (first article, pilot, production ramp), ensuring station readiness, documentation accuracy, and on‑time execution.
• Serve as senior technical reviewer and approver for manufacturing process and documentation.
• Develop or support process flows, structured work instructions (SWS), control plans, and PFMEAs, ensuring alignment with quality requirements.
• Validate tooling, fixture, equipment, and test/measurement system capability (gauge R&R, MSA) as required.
• Identify and close manufacturing readiness gaps ahead of build milestones and production release.
• Support quality audits, corrective actions (8D), and post‑release issue resolution related to new product introductions and process adherence.
• Maintain accurate, organized engineering records and documentation per company procedures and customer requirements.
• Apply project management tools to manage scope, cost, timing, and risk; maintain project plans and communicate status, risks, and readiness to stakeholders.
• Evaluate existing processes and recommend improvements to increase quality, reduce cost, and improve throughput using Lean, 5S, and Six Sigma principles.
• Use structured problem‑solving (8D, root‑cause analysis) to drive corrective and preventive actions from production feedback.
• Collect, track, and present department operational metrics as required.
• Communicate clearly with internal teams and, when necessary, external customers to resolve technical, documentation, or process questions.
• Promote and support Lean Manufacturing and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment; regular on‑site attendance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronics, or a related technical field (required).
• Minimum of 5 years experience in electronics manufacturing, process engineering, NPI, or tooling‑related roles.
• Demonstrated experience supporting New Product Introduction, launch support, production deviation controls, current production change implementation, and cross‑functional problem solving.
• Working knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, and manufacturing quality systems.
• Prior experience with ERP/MES systems (Epicor, FactoryLogix, or similar) strongly preferred.

Skills

• Experience with SMT processes; familiarity with IPC‑A‑610 and related workmanship standards preferred.
• Ability to design or specify test fixtures, tooling, and error‑proofing (poka‑yoke) solutions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Experience with press‑fit, swage, or conformal coating processes is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, and datasheets.
• Technical comprehension: read, interpret, and apply technical documentation such as assembly drawings and component datasheets.
• Problem solving & reasoning: identify issues, evaluate data, draw conclusions, and make sound decisions in fast‑paced production environments.
• Mathematical application: apply arithmetic and algebraic concepts to tooling design, capability studies, yield calculations, and process metrics.
• Project management: plan, prioritize, and track multiple concurrent programs against schedule, cost, and quality targets.
• Communication: convey information clearly and professionally with internal teams, customers, and suppliers.

Physical Demands

The role requires regular standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands to handle tools or computer equipment. Frequent reaching, bending, kneeling, or crouching is needed. The employee must be able to lift up to 25 lb routinely and occasionally up to 50 lb. Visual requirements include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily on the production floor and in an office setting within an electronics manufacturing environment. Exposure to moving mechanical equipment, soldering fumes, or chemicals may occur. Noise levels range from moderate to high depending on the area. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and provided.