Job brief
We are seeking a proactive Manufacturing Engineer to join our operations team and lead the modernization of our production workflows. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in designing custom tooling, optimizing assembly cell layouts, and driving Lean initiatives that directly impact our output capacity. You will collaborate closely with maintenance crews and quality engineers to ensure our facility meets strict ISO 9001 and OSHA safety standards. If you are a hands-on engineer who thrives on solving complex mechanical challenges in a high-tech manufacturing environment, we want to hear from you.
Key highlights
- Design and validate custom mechanical jigs, fixtures, and tooling using SolidWorks to streamline complex assembly processes.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to identify production inefficiencies and reduce scrap rates across multi-line operations.
- Perform root cause analysis on equipment downtime incidents using 8D reporting to prevent recurring mechanical failures on the shop floor.
- Collaborate with automation teams to program and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems for increased robotics integration and safety compliance.
What is a Manufacturing Engineer?
A Manufacturing Engineer is a technical expert tasked with optimizing the conversion of raw materials into finished goods through advanced process engineering. By applying mechanical engineering principles and automation technologies, a Manufacturing Engineer identifies bottlenecks, integrates robotic systems, and implements continuous improvement initiatives to boost production yield. Their work bridges the gap between R&D product designs and large-scale factory execution, ensuring that industrial operations are both scalable and cost-efficient.
What does a Manufacturing Engineer do?
A Manufacturing Engineer spends their time analyzing production cycles, performing root cause analysis on equipment failures, and drafting detailed technical specifications using CAD software. They frequently coordinate with shop floor technicians and procurement teams to troubleshoot assembly line issues, oversee the installation of new manufacturing machinery, and update BOMs to reflect process changes. By leveraging tools like PLC logic and statistical process control, they turn raw sensor data into actionable improvements that minimize downtime and increase plant throughput.
Key responsibilities
- Design and validate custom mechanical jigs, fixtures, and tooling using SolidWorks to streamline complex assembly processes.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to identify production inefficiencies and reduce scrap rates across multi-line operations.
- Perform root cause analysis on equipment downtime incidents using 8D reporting to prevent recurring mechanical failures on the shop floor.
- Execute detailed capacity planning and line balancing simulations to optimize the flow of materials through high-volume production cells.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation for all newly commissioned industrial machinery.
- Collaborate with automation teams to program and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems for increased robotics integration and safety compliance.
- Manage vendor selection and technical procurement for capital equipment investments, ensuring components meet strict performance and budget criteria.
- Conduct cross-functional design-for-manufacturing (DFM) reviews to provide actionable feedback to product development teams early in the design cycle.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related industrial discipline.
- Advanced proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo for 3D modeling and detailed technical drafting.
- Demonstrated expertise in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards applied to high-precision machined components.
- 3+ years of professional experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment with exposure to CNC machining, welding, or injection molding.
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and OSHA workplace safety regulations for industrial plants.
- Proven experience with Continuous Improvement frameworks such as Kaizen, 5S, or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) in factory settings.
- Ability to communicate complex technical system changes to shop floor operators, maintenance technicians, and plant management stakeholders.
- Professional certification such as a Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or EIT/PE licensure is highly preferred for this engineering role.
FAQs
What does a Manufacturing Engineer do on a daily basis?
A Manufacturing Engineer balances desk-based design work with active shop floor presence. They spend time creating CAD models for tooling, analyzing production data to spot efficiency gaps, and troubleshooting mechanical equipment alongside maintenance technicians. This role is vital for translating product designs into reliable, mass-produced reality while minimizing operational costs.
What are the essential skills for a Manufacturing Engineer?
Success in this role requires a deep understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, proficiency in CAD/CAM software, and a strong grasp of Lean or Six Sigma process improvement. A Manufacturing Engineer must also be capable of interpreting complex technical drawings, understanding PLC automation, and applying statistical analysis to quality control data.
Who does a Manufacturing Engineer work with in a factory?
A Manufacturing Engineer serves as a central hub between various departments. They collaborate regularly with quality assurance teams to meet compliance standards, production managers to maintain throughput targets, and procurement specialists to source machine components. They also mentor shop floor operators to ensure new processes are implemented safely and correctly.
Why is the role of a Manufacturing Engineer important?
Manufacturing Engineers are the architects of efficient production. By designing robust processes and optimizing equipment reliability, they directly reduce manufacturing waste and increase product quality for the end consumer. Their contributions are essential for any company looking to maintain a competitive edge through engineering innovation and operational excellence.