Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Factory Optimization, Automation & Continuous Improvement
Newark, NJ, Full-Time | Onsite
Estimated Compensation: $150,000 – $200,000+ (calibrate based on experience)
Hours: 7:30am-4:30pm
Business Need
Our manufacturing operation is entering an exciting period of transformation.
As we continue expanding our domestic manufacturing capabilities, we're bringing more production in-house, investing in new equipment and automation, and redesigning how our factory operates to support future growth.
We're looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer who will do more than improve today's operation. We need someone who will continuously identify opportunities to optimize manufacturing performance, evaluate emerging technologies, lead engineering initiatives, and help shape the future of our factory.
This role is responsible for improving throughput, labor productivity, material utilization, manufacturing flow, automation, and operational scalability while building a culture of continuous factory improvement.
Success isn't measured by the number of projects completed. It's measured by creating lasting improvements that continue to strengthen the business year after year.
What You'll Own
Factory Performance
Own the ongoing improvement of manufacturing performance across the operation.
• Identify bottlenecks limiting throughput, productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Continuously evaluate manufacturing processes and challenge existing methods.
• Validate that engineering initiatives deliver measurable operational and financial results.
• Develop practical engineering solutions that improve long-term factory performance.
Factory Optimization
Continuously improve how the factory is designed and operates.
• Optimize production layouts, equipment placement, manufacturing flow, and work cell design.
• Improve space utilization while supporting future manufacturing expansion.
• Reduce unnecessary movement, transportation, waiting, and process inefficiencies.
• Design manufacturing systems that remain scalable as production volumes and product complexity continue to grow.
Automation & Manufacturing Technology
Lead the evaluation and implementation of technologies that improve manufacturing performance.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive or labor-intensive manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate manufacturing equipment, automation solutions, and emerging technologies.
• Support implementation of automation and capital equipment projects.
• Develop business cases and ROI analyses supporting manufacturing investments.
Throughput, Labor & Material Performance
Improve productivity through practical engineering solutions.
• Increase production throughput while maintaining quality and safety.
• Improve labor utilization through workflow optimization, automation, and process improvements.
• Improve material utilization and reduce scrap through engineering analysis.
• Drive measurable reductions in manufacturing costs and operational waste.
Manufacturing Improvement Projects
Lead engineering initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Develop project plans, business cases, and implementation strategies.
• Validate throughput, labor productivity, material utilization, and ROI following implementation.
• Utilize data, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies to drive sustainable improvements.
• Ensure improvements become standardized and repeatable across the operation.
Manufacturing Leadership
Influence how manufacturing operates across the organization.
• Lead cross-functional manufacturing improvement initiatives involving Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Influence operational decisions using engineering expertise, data, and measurable business outcomes.
• Champion a culture of continuous factory optimization and operational excellence.
• Mentor production teams and engineering partners on new manufacturing methods, technologies, and best practices.
Must-Haves
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Proven manufacturing engineering experience within a production environment.
• Demonstrated success improving throughput, labor productivity, material utilization, manufacturing efficiency, or operational performance.
• Experience optimizing production layouts, manufacturing flow, or factory utilization.
• Experience leading cross-functional manufacturing improvement initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Experience evaluating, implementing, or supporting automation, manufacturing technology, or capital equipment projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive operational improvements without direct authority.
• Hands-on experience supporting manufacturing operations on the production floor.
Preferred Experience
• Factory layout optimization
• Material flow analysis
• Manufacturing automation
• Capital equipment implementation
• Lean Manufacturing
• Value Stream Mapping
• Continuous Improvement methodologies
• AutoCAD or manufacturing layout software
• Building Products, Cabinetry, Furniture, Wood Products, Industrial Manufacturing, Consumer Products, Packaging, Medical Device, or other discrete manufacturing environments.
Success Metrics
Success in this role will be measured by:
• Increased production throughput
• Improved labor productivity
• Improved material utilization and reduced scrap
• Increased adoption of automation and manufacturing technology
• Improved factory layout and space utilization
• Improved manufacturing flow and equipment utilization
• Measurable ROI on capital equipment and engineering investments
• Successful implementation and long-term sustainability of manufacturing improvement initiatives
• Measurable engineering-driven operational savings
• Improved scalability of manufacturing operations
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional manufacturing initiatives
Why Join Us?
This is not a traditional manufacturing engineering role focused on maintaining existing processes.
You'll play a key role in shaping how our factory evolves.
You'll identify new opportunities, improve manufacturing systems, evaluate emerging technologies, influence operational strategy, and help build a manufacturing operation that becomes more efficient, more automated, and more scalable over time.
If you're energized by improving factory performance, leading engineering initiatives, driving automation, and delivering measurable business results, we'd like to hear from you.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you've built a track record of improving factory performance, implementing meaningful engineering solutions, influencing cross-functional teams, and helping manufacturing operations become more efficient and scalable, we encourage you to apply.
Email Resume: Joel@maiplacement.com
Apply Online:
https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/maiplacement/job/77g7bzha4kgfz47qrd5mgy7xeo
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