Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

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 integration experience for routings, bills of materials (BOMs), and process improvement.
• Experience with manufacturing process development, tooling design, machining, and fabrication.
• Comfort working in an environment where processes are not fully defined and require clarification and standardization.
• Experience supporting or implementing automation within a manufacturing facility.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced production environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cleveland, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $41.00 - $46.00/hr eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this…