Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Reports to: President

Job Type: Full time

Hours: Venture Mfg Co. works Mon-Thu. Flexibility can be provided, given the job duties.

Location: Venture Mfg Co. 3636 Dayton Park Dr. / Dayton, OH 45414

Job Summary:

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer is the primary technical leader for manufacturing operations in a small, hands-on production environment encompassing light machining, welding, stamping, and assembly. This role owns day-to-day manufacturing support, process control, quality system execution, customer and supplier quality interface, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires strong shop-floor presence, decisive problem solving, and the ability to balance tactical production needs with longer-term system and process improvements.

The ideal candidate thrives in a resource-lean environment, takes initiative without waiting for direction, and is equally comfortable troubleshooting on the floor, communicating with customers, and implementing structured quality systems. This is a high-impact role on the leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Support

• Lead resolution of daily production issues impacting safety, quality, delivery, cost.
• Perform structured root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, SPC, etc) and implement effective corrective actions.
• Drive scrap reduction, rework elimination, and process improvement projects.
• Support automation initiatives from concept through implementation, including vendor selection, scope development, integration, and validation.
• Support incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities; develop inspection standards if needed.
• Perform gage R&R, capability studies, and validate measurement systems.
• Own quality documentation, work instructions, and process flow diagrams.
• Support maintenance activities (less wrench-turning, more technical analysis and working with vendors).

Customer & Supplier Interface

• Primary quality point-of-contact for customers—manage/coordinate complaints, returns, warranty evaluations, and PPAP/FAI submissions.
• Communicate containment actions, investigation findings, and long-term corrective actions, as needed.
• Work with suppliers to resolve incoming material issues and improve performance.
• Conduct supplier assessments and support development initiatives when needed.
• Provide technical support and product knowledge to purchasing and/or vendors.

Leadership & Management Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily work of quality and maintenance technicians.
• Set quality KPIs, gather appropriate data, and post KPIs as required.
• Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the shop.
• Lead cross-functional teams on improvement projects, cost reduction, and risk mitigation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field is preferred. Equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience with demonstrated technical growth will be considered.
• In-depth knowledge of machining, welding, stamping, and assembly. Preference will be given to those with actual machining and/or welding experience.
• Ability to lead an automation project from start to finish. Requires in depth knowledge of automation concepts, working with outside vendors.
• 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, in a technical support role such as engineering, quality, etc.
• Strong understanding of problem-solving tools: 8D, 5-Why, FMEA, SPC, MSA, PPAP, APQP, Etc. Considered an expert-level problem solver with high abilities.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and internal auditing.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and use measurement equipment.
• Excellent communication skills with both customers and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

About Venture Mfg Co:

Founded over 50 years ago, Venture Mfg. Co. is a privately held company based in Dayton, OH. We take pride in providing high-quality manufacturing solutions to a diverse range of industries, with a strong commitment to innovation, precision, and reliability. Our primary product lines focus on electric linear actuators of various sizes, along with several supporting niche product lines. As we continue to grow, we…