Job brief
We are looking for a highly analytical Production Engineer to drive operational excellence at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. In this role, you will lead the transition toward data-driven manufacturing, optimizing cycle times and reducing waste across our primary assembly lines. You will have a direct impact on our production capacity, quality assurance standards, and the overall reliability of our industrial infrastructure. If you are passionate about process optimization and thrive in environments where you can influence technical strategy, we invite you to help us define the next generation of our production capabilities.
Key highlights
- Design and validate manufacturing workflows to minimize cycle times while maintaining strict adherence to ISO 9001 quality standards.
- Perform root-cause analysis on production line stoppages using statistical process control (SPC) to prevent recurrence and improve equipment uptime.
- Implement Lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives across the factory floor to reduce inventory waste and improve workstation ergonomics.
- Program and troubleshoot PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and HMI interfaces to enhance machine functionality and automated data collection.
What is a Production Engineer?
A Production Engineer is a technical expert responsible for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes within a high-volume industrial environment. By bridging the gap between engineering theory and shop-floor operations, a Production Engineer ensures that machinery, materials, and labor are perfectly aligned to meet quality and output targets. Utilizing advanced methodologies such as Six Sigma and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), they transform production systems into highly efficient, data-driven assets that drive the long-term profitability of the organization.
What does a Production Engineer do?
On a typical day, a Production Engineer monitors manufacturing KPIs to identify bottlenecks and uses root-cause analysis to address recurring equipment failures. They frequently interface with PLCs, SCADA systems, or ERP software to track real-time production flow, while working alongside maintenance teams to schedule preventative maintenance and minimize downtime. Beyond day-to-day troubleshooting, they execute capital improvement projects, document standard operating procedures (SOPs), and lead cross-functional initiatives to integrate new manufacturing technologies or automation solutions into existing production lines.
Key responsibilities
- Design and validate manufacturing workflows to minimize cycle times while maintaining strict adherence to ISO 9001 quality standards.
- Perform root-cause analysis on production line stoppages using statistical process control (SPC) to prevent recurrence and improve equipment uptime.
- Implement Lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives across the factory floor to reduce inventory waste and improve workstation ergonomics.
- Program and troubleshoot PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and HMI interfaces to enhance machine functionality and automated data collection.
- Analyze daily production throughput and quality reports to generate actionable insights for the operations and management teams.
- Develop and deliver technical training programs for shop-floor personnel regarding machine operation, safety protocols, and quality requirements.
- Manage capital expenditure projects for equipment upgrades, overseeing vendor selection, installation, and final performance commissioning.
- Collaborate with supply chain and procurement departments to ensure optimal raw material flow and just-in-time inventory availability.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Minimum 3+ years of professional experience in a high-volume manufacturing or production engineering capacity.
- Proven proficiency in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, with Green Belt or Black Belt certification highly preferred.
- Technical expertise in working with PLC programming software such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens TIA Portal, or Omron.
- Advanced data analysis skills using Minitab, Excel (VBA/Power Query), or SQL to track and interpret manufacturing KPIs.
- Strong grasp of OSHA safety standards and regulatory compliance related to heavy machinery and chemical handling.
- Hands-on experience with ERP/MES systems like SAP, Oracle NetSuite, or Epicor for production planning and inventory tracking.
- Ability to clearly communicate complex technical engineering concepts to diverse stakeholders, including machine operators and C-suite leadership.
FAQs
What does a Production Engineer do on a daily basis?
A Production Engineer spends their day balancing immediate operational needs with long-term process improvement goals. This includes troubleshooting machine performance issues, analyzing real-time production data to identify efficiency gaps, and collaborating with maintenance teams to ensure uptime. They also spend time on the shop floor validating new workflows and training operators on updated machinery or revised SOPs.
What are the essential skills for a Production Engineer?
The most essential skills for a Production Engineer include a mastery of Lean manufacturing methodologies, proficiency in PLC programming, and the ability to perform complex root-cause analysis. Technical literacy in ERP and MES systems is critical for tracking production output. Equally important are soft skills like technical communication and the ability to manage cross-functional projects under strict production deadlines.
Who does a Production Engineer work with in a manufacturing facility?
A Production Engineer serves as the central point of contact for multiple departments, working closely with maintenance and reliability teams to optimize equipment health. They also collaborate heavily with Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure product standards are met, with supply chain managers to manage raw material flow, and with plant management to report on production KPIs and budget utilization.
Why is a Production Engineer vital to manufacturing operations?
A Production Engineer is vital because they translate business goals into functional shop-floor realities. By reducing waste, minimizing machine downtime, and integrating automation, they directly improve the profitability of the organization. Their expertise ensures that manufacturing processes are not only efficient and scalable but also safe and compliant with industry quality standards.