Production Engineer

Position Summary

NOTE: No sponsorship or relocation assistance is available.

The Production Engineer plays a critical role in driving manufacturing performance, operational efficiency, and team leadership within an industrial production environment. This position is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, supporting daily plant operations, and supervising shop-floor personnel to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity objectives. The ideal candidate combines strong technical engineering capability with hands-on leadership and continuous improvement expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Process Engineering

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, work instructions, and standardized operating procedures.
• Analyze production metrics to identify root causes of downtime, scrap, inefficiencies, and quality issues, then implement corrective actions.
• Support new product launches, process validations, equipment installations, and facility layout improvements.
• Conduct process capability studies, cycle-time analysis, PFMEA activities, and workflow optimization projects.
• Improve tooling, fixtures, automation, and equipment performance to increase throughput and reduce process variation.
• Drive productivity improvements while maintaining product quality and operational safety standards.

Production Leadership & Supervision

• Provide daily leadership, direction, and coaching to production personnel on the manufacturing floor.
• Coordinate labor resources and production priorities to meet customer demand and production schedules.
• Monitor employee performance and promote accountability, teamwork, and operational discipline.
• Support employee onboarding, training, cross-training, and skills development initiatives.
• Address personnel concerns professionally and escalate issues when appropriate.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a strong culture of workplace safety and operational compliance.
• Conduct safety observations, audits, hazard assessments, and incident investigations.
• Ensure compliance with company safety procedures, quality systems, environmental standards, and operating policies.
• Verify equipment is properly maintained, safe to operate, and functioning effectively.
• Immediately report and address workplace incidents, policy violations, or unsafe conditions.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Quality and Operations teams to resolve non-conformances and implement corrective/preventive actions.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, efficiency gains, and process flow improvements.
• Utilize Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, including root cause analysis tools such as 5-Why, Fishbone, and DMAIC.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives through process improvements, automation opportunities, and material optimization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Human Resources to support operational objectives.
• Participate in daily production meetings and provide data-driven updates on manufacturing performance and improvement activities.
• Assist with capital equipment planning, project justification, and return-on-investment analysis.
• Maintain effective communication with employees and leadership to foster engagement, trust, and alignment with business goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field required.
• 2–5+ years of manufacturing, process engineering, or production engineering experience preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence principles.
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies and process improvement tools.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing documentation practices.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead in a hands-on, fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality of company and employee information.
• Support equal employment opportunity, diversity, and harassment-free workplace initiatives.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities.
• Conduct regular employee communication and performance discussions to promote engagement and accountability.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to operational excellence at all times.