Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer supports a fast-paced production environment by troubleshooting line stoppages, driving continuous improvement, and implementing robust processes that directly impact products designed to protect lives. This role blends hands-on work on the manufacturing floor with analytical problem solving, partnering closely with production, maintenance, controls, R&D, and quality teams to improve reliability, reduce downtime, and sustain high output and quality standards.

Responsibilities

+ Troubleshoot and address production line stoppages to restore flow quickly and minimize downtime.

+ Analyze root causes of production issues and implement effective solutions that improve reliability and reduce recurring problems.

+ Partner with production leadership and operators to sustain output levels while meeting or exceeding quality requirements.

+ Maintain and update process documentation, including standard work instructions and troubleshooting procedures, to ensure consistency and clarity.

+ Develop and manage process controls and control plans that support stable, repeatable manufacturing operations.

+ Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using structured methodologies and data-driven decision making.

+ 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 improve equipment performance, reliability, and maintainability.

+ 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 throughput, and control production costs.

+ Document tooling designs and equipment concepts in coordination with R&D and quality teams to ensure alignment and traceability.

+ Source, install, and validate new equipment and process tools to support production improvements and automation initiatives.

+ Support the Finishing Value Stream, including CNC machining, adhesion, application of Velcro, paint preparation and painting, assembly, and packaging.

+ Lead or support root cause analysis activities and implement corrective and preventive actions to address process and quality issues.

+ Integrate engineering principles related to pneumatics, hydraulics, material properties, PLCs, electro-mechanical systems, and heat transfer into process and equipment solutions.

+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement Lean manufacturing practices such as SMED, line balancing, and single-piece flow.

+ Adapt to an environment with evolving processes, ambiguity, and limited structure by proactively defining, refining, and standardizing workflows.

+ Balance time between the manufacturing floor and desk-based engineering work, typically spending the majority of time directly supporting operations.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering.

+ 3 plus years of manufacturing or process engineering experience.

+ Manufacturing engineering experience with a focus on production processes and continuous improvement.

+ Process engineering experience, including development, optimization, and control of manufacturing processes.

+ Hands-on experience with root cause analysis to diagnose and resolve production issues.

+ Solid Works design experience for tooling, fixtures, and equipment concepts.

+ Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot production processes and equipment in a fast-paced environment.

+ Ability to apply engineering principles and knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, material properties, PLCs, electro-mechanical systems, and heat transfer.

+ Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, including SMED, line balancing, and single-piece flow.

+ Experience using root cause analysis tools such as 5-Why and 8D.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Ability to lead root cause analysis activities and drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

+ In-depth knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.

+

Experience with composites and adhesive processes.

+ ERP/MES…