Weld Manufacturing and Factory Automation Engineer (3rd Shift)

Position Overview

John Deere is seeking a Lead Weld Manufacturing and Factory Automation Engineer to support 3rd shift operations at JD Harvester Works in East Moline, IL. This role requires a strong commitment to improving processes and technology.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily Manufacturing Engineering and Factory Automation support to help production achieve safety, quality, delivery, and efficiency objectives.
• Act as the first responder to shop floor issues, working directly with operations to diagnose problems and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot and improve manufacturing systems including JDAAT, smart tools, fixtures, test equipment, material presentation systems, and production processes.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance safety, quality, ergonomics, productivity, and cost performance.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing process definitions including operator methods, work instructions, routings, labor standards, tooling, layouts, and sequence of events documentation.
• Lead and support implementation of new manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, smart tools, Smart Test systems, and digital manufacturing initiatives that improve operational performance.
• Support product and process changes while ensuring efficient integration into existing production environments.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Supply Management, Maintenance, and Product Engineering to deliver practical, production-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• Ability to quickly learn and apply Manufacturing Engineering fundamentals in a dynamic production environment.
• Strong ownership mentality with a demonstrated ability to drive issues through resolution.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and implementing process improvements in a shop floor environment.
• Experience supporting welding manufacturing processes, including troubleshooting weld quality, tooling, fixtures, equipment, and process stability in a production environment.
• Ability to work effectively in challenging production environments with shifting priorities.
• Experience with manufacturing systems and process documentation such as labor standards, operator methods, routings, and work instructions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across salaried and wage teams.
• Willingness and ability to work off-shift and overtime as business needs require.
• Problem-solving mindset with a strong bias toward action and continuous improvement.
• Experience working directly with JDAAT, smart tools, torque systems, test stands, or manufacturing automation technologies.

Education

Desired qualifications include a degree or equivalent related work experience in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent manufacturing experience.