Manufacturing Engineer

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer supports a fast-paced, highly technical manufacturing environment by driving process reliability, reducing downtime, and enabling continuous improvement. This role focuses on troubleshooting production line issues, developing robust processes and control plans, and implementing tooling and equipment solutions that enhance quality, safety, and cost efficiency. The engineer partners closely with production, maintenance, controls, R&D, and quality teams to sustain output, meet stringent performance requirements, and support ongoing automation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve production line stoppages to minimize downtime and maintain consistent output.
• Analyze root causes of production issues and implement sustainable corrective actions to improve reliability and reduce recurring problems.
• Partner with production leadership and operators to sustain output levels and ensure products meet all quality requirements.
• Maintain, update, and improve process documentation, including standard work instructions and troubleshooting procedures.
• Develop and manage process control plans to ensure stable, repeatable manufacturing performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using structured methodologies and Lean manufacturing tools.
• Apply problem-solving tools, such as 5-Why and 8D, to investigate and resolve complex production challenges.
• Work closely with maintenance and controls teams to address equipment performance issues and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
• Identify and engage vendors, assisting in the development of specifications for tooling, equipment, and materials.
• Design and implement fixtures and tooling that minimize defects, improve ergonomics, and control production costs.
• Document tooling designs and equipment concepts in coordination with R&D and quality teams to ensure alignment with product and process requirements.
• Source, install, and validate new equipment and process tools to support production improvements and automation efforts.
• Support the Finishing Value Stream, including CNC machining, adhesion and adhesive applications, Velcro application, paint preparation and painting, assembly, and packaging.
• Spend approximately 60% of time on the production floor and 40% at a desk, providing hands-on support and engineering analysis.
• Lead or actively participate in root cause analysis efforts and drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Support integration of ERP/MES systems for routings, bills of materials, and process improvement activities.
• Navigate ambiguity and incomplete or not clearly defined processes, helping to create structure, define standards, and build scalable procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support implementation of increased automation within the facility.
• Act as a technical resource and informal leader within the engineering team, helping to relieve workload and drive key projects to completion.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering.
• 3+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience.
• Hands-on manufacturing engineering experience, including troubleshooting production processes and equipment.
• Solid Works design experience for tooling, fixtures, or equipment concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles and knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, material properties, PLCs, electro-mechanical systems, and heat transfer.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering and process engineering, including development and improvement of production processes.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving for production issues.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles such as SMED, line balancing, and single-piece flow.
• Experience using root cause analysis tools, including 5-Why and 8D.
• Ability to work effectively on the production floor in a fast-paced environment while balancing desk-based engineering work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with production, maintenance, controls, R&D, and quality teams.
• Self-starter mindset with strong work…