Manufacturing Engineer – Process Development & Automation

Manufacturing Engineer – Process Development & Automation

Columbus, Indiana | $60–$70/hour | 12-Month Contract | Fully Onsite

Schedule: First 6 months: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM / 2nd 6 months: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support manufacturing process development, robotic automation, equipment optimization, and new product launch activities at a production facility in Columbia, Indiana.This role will focus on developing and improving manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of manufacturing engineering experience, hands-on experience with FANUC HandlingTool or ArcTool robotic systems, and a strong understanding of GD&T and engineering drawings.This position is well suited for a hands-on engineer who can work directly with production teams, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, implement automation solutions, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Process Development: Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and production methods.
• New Product Launches: Support new product introduction and VPI (Value Package Introduction) activities, ensuring manufacturing readiness and successful production implementation.
• Robotics & Automation: Support the programming, integration, troubleshooting, and optimization of FANUC robotic systems using HandlingTool or ArcTool.
• Engineering Drawings & GD&T: Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing requirements to ensure manufacturing processes meet design specifications.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve quality, increase productivity, and lower manufacturing costs through data analysis and structured problem-solving.
• Work Instructions & Standardization: Develop and maintain manufacturing procedures, work instructions, process documentation, and standardized best practices.
• Equipment & Workstation Optimization: Evaluate equipment, tooling, workstation layouts, ergonomics, and safety requirements to improve production performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, suppliers, and equipment vendors to resolve issues and implement improvements.
• Project Coordination: Coordinate resources, timelines, and deliverables to ensure manufacturing projects remain on schedule and within scope.
• Technical Support: Provide technical guidance and share manufacturing best practices with team members and operational stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production or industrial manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with FANUC HandlingTool or ArcTool robotic systems.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and the ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience developing and optimizing manufacturing processes, equipment, and tooling.
• Understanding of manufacturing safety standards, ergonomics, and workstation design.
• Experience with continuous improvement, process standardization, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Ability to analyze production data and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and cost.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting new product introductions, manufacturing launches, or VPI activities.
• Background in industrial robotics, automated manufacturing equipment, or robotic process integration.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience coordinating projects with suppliers, equipment vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams.

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