Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary

Our Tier 1 automotive manufacturing facility in Pulaski, Tennessee is seeking a motivated and results-driven Manufacturing Engineer to join our engineering team. This role is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, supporting new product launches, optimizing production efficiency, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume plastic injection molding environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience in automotive manufacturing, strong technical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Support plastic injection molding operations by analyzing and improving process flow, equipment performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, and production transfers.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), process documentation, and visual work aids.
• Analyze production data and recommend improvements to enhance throughput and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, and Process Engineering teams to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Participate in APQP activities, PFMEA development, Control Plans, and PPAP submissions.
• Support equipment installation, process validation, and production readiness activities.
• Conduct root cause analysis using 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D, and other structured problem-solving tools.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 requirements, customer specifications, and company quality standards.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, standardized work, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 2–5 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting plastic injection molding operations.
• Experience working for a Tier 1 automotive supplier preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Working knowledge of Automotive Core Tools:
  • APQP
  • PPAP
  • PFMEA
  • Control Plans
  • SPC
  • MSA
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 quality standards.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP manufacturing systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting robotic automation and automated manufacturing cells.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Knowledge of scientific molding principles.
• Experience with capital equipment projects and facility layouts.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary of $70,000–$85,000 based on experience