Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer – Tenneco, Blacksburg, VA

Position Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment to support safe, efficient, and cost‑effective production. This role combines hands‑on plant support with engineering design capability, ensuring new and existing products can be manufactured to quality, cost, and delivery requirements.

Location: Tenneco – Blacksburg, VA

Department: Manufacturing / Engineering

Reports To: Plant Engineering Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

• Manufacturing & Process Engineering
  • Design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes, work cells, and production layouts
  • Provide day‑to‑day engineering support by troubleshooting process and equipment issues
  • Develop and maintain standard work, work instructions, and process documentation
  • Support new product launches, engineering changes, and process validations
  • Participate in PFMEA, control plans, and process capability studies
  • Support line balancing, capacity planning, and production readiness
• Design & Tooling Responsibilities
  • Design or support the design of fixtures, tooling, gauges, and material handling solutions
  • Review designs for manufacturability, safety, and efficiency using DFM/DFA principles
  • Utilize CAD software to create or review drawings and layouts
  • Collaborate with suppliers on tool design, fabrication, and validation
  • Support capital equipment specification, installation, and commissioning
• Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction
  • Lead or participate in lean manufacturing initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, waste elimination)
  • Analyze KPIs such as scrap, downtime, OEE, and throughput to drive improvements
  • Identify and implement cost‑reduction opportunities
  • Support root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain
  • Support internal and customer audits, trials, and technical reviews
  • Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience as a Manufacturing Engineer in a plant environment
• Design & Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  
  • Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, Solid Works, Inventor, or similar)
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
  • Experience with tooling, fixtures, and gauges
  • Knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, and process validation
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing methodologies
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to work in an active manufacturing environment with noise and moving machinery
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the plant for extended periods
  • Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and platforms
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally
    
    Ability to wear required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel‑toe footwear
  • Visual acuity sufficient to read drawings, documentation, and computer screens

This role offers the opportunity to apply engineering design skills in a hands‑on manufacturing environment and contribute directly to plant performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

• Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment Type: Full‑time
• Job Function: Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing