Manufacturing Engineer

Scope of Position

Our client is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support manufacturing operations, optimize production processes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for developing and implementing safe, cost-effective, and efficient manufacturing processes that improve productivity, reduce defects, and ensure consistent product quality.

The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Planning, and other departments to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, improve equipment and tooling performance, and implement process improvements. This role will also support capital improvement projects, production layout optimization, new product development, and Lean manufacturing initiatives.

Responsibilities

Manufacturing Engineering & Process Optimization

• Develop, implement, and maintain safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing processes to meet production and customer requirements.
• Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for improving productivity, reducing waste, and minimizing production costs.
• Troubleshoot complex production issues involving manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and product design.
• Develop and implement corrective actions to eliminate production defects, reduce downtime, and improve first-pass quality.
• Design and optimize manufacturing processes, production cell layouts, workstations, and material flow to improve operational efficiency.
• Conduct time studies, establish labor standards, and analyze production performance to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop manufacturing specifications, work instructions, process documentation, and testing procedures.
• Maintain accurate engineering data, including Bills of Materials (BOMs), production routings, and product cost information.
• Collaborate with production operators and toolroom personnel to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve process performance.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Lead and support Lean manufacturing initiatives focused on waste reduction, process efficiency, quality improvement, and cost optimization.
• Evaluate manufacturing performance data and implement process improvements to increase throughput and reduce production variability.
• Identify opportunities to introduce new manufacturing technologies, automation, and improved production methods.
• Support continuous improvement projects involving workflow optimization, equipment utilization, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Apply engineering principles and problem-solving techniques to improve manufacturing processes and product quality.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable improvements that support operational objectives.

Capital Projects, Tooling & Equipment

• Plan, develop, and implement capital improvement projects that support manufacturing capacity, efficiency, and facility objectives.
• Evaluate equipment, tooling, and manufacturing technology requirements to support current and future production needs.
• Design and develop tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing solutions to improve production processes.
• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers on equipment selection, specifications, installation, and implementation.
• Support equipment upgrades, automation initiatives, and manufacturing process modifications.
• Evaluate project feasibility, costs, timelines, and expected operational benefits.
• Work with Maintenance and Production teams to ensure equipment and manufacturing systems operate effectively.

New Product Development & Engineering Support

• Collaborate with Product Design, Marketing, and Manufacturing teams to support new product development and production implementation.
• Evaluate manufacturing feasibility, production costs, and process requirements for new and existing products.
• Develop manufacturing processes, tooling, and production methods to support successful product introductions.
• Review engineering designs and recommend modifications to improve manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain engineering documentation, technical drawings, product specifications, and manufacturing records.
• Communicate engineering recommendations, project progress, and operational impacts to plant leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Stay informed of emerging manufacturing technologies and recommend improvements that support business objectives.

Safety & Operational Excellence

• Ensure manufacturing processes, equipment, and workstations comply with established safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Incorporate ergonomic principles and workplace safety considerations into manufacturing process and workstation designs.
• Identify potential safety hazards and implement engineering solutions to reduce workplace risks.
• Support plant initiatives focused on employee safety, product quality, and operational efficiency.
• Perform additional engineering responsibilities and special projects as assigned.
• Travel may be required.
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Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, General Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 1–3 years of manufacturing engineering experience in an industrial or production environment.
• Experience conducting time studies, developing labor standards, and analyzing manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, production methods, raw materials, quality control, and cost optimization.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and production-related issues.
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of engineering design principles, technical drawings, blueprints, and manufacturing specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with manufacturing automation applications and implementation.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Experience designing and optimizing manufacturing facility layouts and production cells.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Visio, or other CAD and engineering design software.
• Experience supporting capital improvement projects, equipment installations, and tooling development.
• Experience maintaining Bills of Materials (BOMs), manufacturing routings, and engineering documentation.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong mechanical aptitude and manufacturing problem-solving skills.
• Analytical skills with the ability to evaluate production data and identify process improvement opportunities.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Ability to collaborate with production operators, engineering teams, maintenance personnel, and plant leadership.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time-management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects and work independently.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in technical documentation and process development.
• Ability to implement process changes and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Understanding of manufacturing safety requirements and ergonomic principles.
• Ability to work in a hands-on manufacturing environment and support production operations.

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