Manufacturing Engineer

SATO America is seeking a detail-orientated, service-focused, Production Engineer.

At SATO America, LLC our mission is to create new value for our customers through products and services of superior quality and to contribute towards a better and more sustainable world. In over 80 years, SATO has fostered a culture of professionalism and customer-centric innovation with an unchanging mission of value creation for customers that, in turn, contributes to a more sustainable world. Do you have what it takes to be our customer's most trusted partner for mutual growth, and always essential in an ever-changing world? If so, look no further. We have a place for you.

Summary:

This position is primarily responsible for leading capital investment projects that expand manufacturing capacity, improve operational efficiency, increase automation, and support the company's long-term growth strategy. The role manages projects from concept through business case development, equipment selection, procurement, installation, commissioning, qualification, and operational handoff.

Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Finance, and external equipment suppliers, the Manufacturing Capital Projects Engineer will ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and achieve expected operational and financial results. In addition to capital project leadership, this position supports continuous improvement, process optimization, and smart manufacturing initiatives that leverage automation and data-driven decision making.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

Capital Project Leadership

• Lead capital investment projects from concept through implementation, including project scoping, business case development, budgeting, scheduling, vendor selection, procurement, installation, commissioning, qualification, and project closeout.
• Develop and manage project scopes, CapEx justifications, ROI analyses, budgets, schedules, resource plans, risks, and change controls.
• Manage multiple concurrent capital projects while ensuring adherence to safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives
• Evaluate and specify equipment and automation; manage suppliers, contractors, integrators, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Plan site preparation, utilities, FAT/SAT, and, where applicable, IQ/OQ/PQ; coordinate installation, commissioning, startup, contractor safety, and punch-list closure.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects and communicate status, risks, budget variances, and schedule impacts to leadership.
• Define acceptance criteria and verify sustained safety, quality, throughput, waste, labor, reliability, and financial results before final closeout.

Manufacturing Engineering & Process Improvement

• Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, EHS, and other functions to optimize processes, equipment layout, facility utilization, and safe equipment integration.
• Develop technical documentation, standard work, and training; coordinate preventive maintenance, critical spare parts, and reliability requirements with Maintenance.
• Present project updates, technical recommendations, and performance metrics to senior leadership.
• Use operational data to implement targeted improvements in safety, quality, throughput, waste, and cost.
• Lead new process development and continuous improvement initiatives for existing and new products.
• Support ISO, FSC, environmental, and other quality or regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Exposure to flexographic printing or process engineering.
• Exposure with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Radius, Oracle), automation technologies, and lean manufacturing.
• Preferred: Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with data analytics tools (Power BI, Python, Minitab) and CAD is preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in databases, spreadsheets, and technical documentation tools.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Project management and training leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Action-oriented and hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Highly self-directed with a strong sense of ownership, capable of independently leading complex capital projects while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands for this position would require a normal range of mobility necessary to physically enter and move in a manufacturing environment and interface with all functions within the facility. The employee is frequently required to talk and hear.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Moderate

SATO America LLC offers a highly competitive salary in addition to an outstanding, market-leading benefits program. SATO's total compensation package extends well beyond your paycheck as it's designed to support and enrich your personal and professional life. See our benefit line-up below:

Health & Wellness: medical, vision, and dental insurance to include coverage for domestic partners. SATO contributes approximately 75% to the cost of employees' health insurance coverage along with 100% company paid Life & AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a pre-tax Health Savings Account with an employer contribution of $500.00 or $1,000.00 depending on elected medical coverage.

Time Away: We observe 10 company-paid holidays per year and up to ten (10) days accrued vacation time in the first year. Eleven (11) days at year two (2). Twelve (12) days at year three (3). Thirteen (13) days at year four (4) and fifteen (15) days at year five (5). We also offer six (6) accrued personal days for you to use for things like weddings, moving, mental health, religious holiday, sick child or for anything that is truly personal.

Saving for the Future: plan for your short-term and long-term goals with our 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match with no vesting schedule. You are fully vested on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. SATO will match 100%/dollar-for-dollar of your 401(k)-deferral amount of the first 3% of your pay and an additional match of 50%/$.50 on the next 2% of your pay. For example, if you defer 5% of your pay into the 401(k) Plan, SATO will make a 4% matching contribution.

Work-Life: we offer an Employee Assistance Program for employees and eligible family members, career development, growth opportunities, and referral bonuses.

SATO America LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. If you are excited about this role but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply. We are focused on creating and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. SATO America LLC's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.