Manufacturing Engineer – Control Panel Fabrication and Assembly

Manufacturing Engineer – Control Panel Fabrication and Assembly

Nortek Data Center Cooling builds the systems that keep modern data centers running — from liquid cooling to large scale air solutions. Our work supports some of the world's most demanding AI and hyperscale environments, and we solve those challenges with engineering depth and practical execution.

We keep things simple here. We communicate early, stay close to the details, and follow through. When issues come up, we address them directly, not with layers of process. Customers count on us because we do what we say and we keep projects moving.

Our culture is hands on and collaborative. People take ownership, move quickly, and help each other. If you like working with teammates who are straightforward and accountable, you'll feel at home.

With the backing of Madison Air, we have the scale, stability, and manufacturing footprint to support complex, high growth programs.

The Manufacturing Engineer will lead the setup, optimization, and continuous improvement of Nortek's control panel fabrication and assembly lines supporting data center cooling products. This role focuses on building efficient, scalable processes for assembling electrical control panels, junction boxes, wiring harnesses, HMI/control screens, and integrated controller systems used in mission‑critical data center cooling units.

The ideal candidate combines hands‑on manufacturing engineering experience with strong electrical or electronics knowledge, enabling them to design processes that improve throughput, quality, and reliability across the production lifecycle.

• Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing lines for control panel fabrication, wiring, and assembly.
• Develop process flows, workstation layouts, tooling requirements, and line balancing strategies.
• Create and maintain standard work instructions, assembly documentation, and visual aids.
• Lead PFMEA, control plans, and process validation activities for new or revised production lines.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, SMED, value stream mapping) to reduce waste and increase throughput.

• Support assembly and testing of electrical control panels, PLC/HMI systems, wiring harnesses, and sensor/actuator interfaces.
• Collaborate with electrical engineering teams to translate schematics, BOMs, and controller requirements into manufacturable processes.
• Develop test procedures for control panels, including continuity checks, functional tests, and controller configuration steps.
• Troubleshoot electrical assembly issues and drive root‑cause corrective actions.

• Ensure compliance with UL508A, NEC, and other applicable electrical and safety standards.
• Define quality checkpoints and inspection criteria for wiring, terminations, labeling, and panel assembly.
• Maintain accurate process documentation, revision control, and manufacturing records.

• Work closely with design engineering, supply chain, production supervisors, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability and smooth product launches.
• Provide training and technical support to assembly technicians and production staff.
• Participate in design reviews to ensure new products are optimized for manufacturability (DFM/DFA).

• Identify opportunities for automation in panel assembly, wiring, testing, and material handling.
• Evaluate and implement new tools, fixtures, labeling systems, and wire processing equipment.
• Drive cost‑reduction initiatives through process improvements, material optimization, and cycle‑time reduction.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• If non‑EE degree: must have hands‑on experience with electronics, electrical systems, or control panel assembly.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in electrical assembly, control panels, or electromechanical systems.
• Strong understanding of wiring practices,…