Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description:

14000 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344, USA

Full-time

Smart people.

Smart ideas.

Smart choice.

A thriving environment for learning, innovation and growth.

Why do so many people join MTS Systems Corporation and stay for a career? Because this is a place where you get to apply your creativity, work with smart people on fascinating projects, and make a positive impact on people's lives. It is a place where you can learn, innovate and grow professionally.

Transforming what's possible with cars, aircraft, bridges, wind turbines and space-age materials - this is work we dream about as kids. At MTS, it's a rewarding career path for talented individuals who are willing to work hard, think hard, and commit to solving complex and critical challenges for our customers around the world, many of whom are leaders in their respective industries.

By joining MTS, you'll have access to the latest tools and technologies, along with the support of colleagues who are passionate about their work. You'll discover a dynamic culture of continuous improvement that extends to our people, one that offers numerous ways to expand your knowledge and advance your career. And because we are a global company, your work may also include world travel.

Primary Objective

Develops and sustains manufacturing processes for the Transducer and Extensometer product lines, and leads manufacturing operations within the System Checkout area - a broad integration function responsible for the assembly, configuration, and acceptance testing of complete MTS test systems comprising numerous components, subassemblies, and product lines. Applies strain gage expertise across transducer and extensometer manufacturing operations to ensure measurement accuracy and product consistency.

Determines cost and routing for new products, maintains current product record structures to ensure effective control of documentation, and assures operational readiness across all assigned areas. Drives cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle.

Major Areas of Accountability

Transducers & Extensometers:

• Develops, documents, and sustains manufacturing processes for Transducer and Extensometer product lines, ensuring repeatability, quality, and compliance with performance specifications as technologies and designs evolve.
• Applies strain gage expertise - including bonding techniques, bridge circuit configuration, and process controls for gage placement, adhesive cure, and protective coating - across both transducer and extensometer manufacturing operations to ensure measurement accuracy and long-term product consistency.
• Develops cost estimates for new and updated transducer and extensometer products. Applies value engineering techniques to reduce manufacturing cost and assesses manufacturability of new designs. Provides input on make/buy decisions based on cost, quality, and capacity.
• Analyzes first-pass yield data and drives process improvements to reduce scrap, rework, and warranty returns. Leads root cause investigations on field and in-house failures for transducer and extensometer product lines.
• Represents the manufacturing function on transducer and extensometer product development teams. Drives operational readiness in support of new product launch, including assessing manufacturability of new designs and providing design-for-manufacturing feedback.

System Checkout:

• Leads manufacturing operations within the System Checkout area, overseeing the integration, assembly, and acceptance testing of complete MTS test systems comprising numerous components, subassemblies, and product lines.
• Develops and maintains system-level checkout and acceptance test procedures, including mechanical assembly verification, hydraulic integration, electronic connections, and software configuration. Ensures procedures align with customer specifications, engineering design intent, and MTS quality standards.
• Serves as the primary manufacturing interface to design engineering, software, and field service during system integration. Identifies and resolves integration issues that affect build cycle time, system performance, or customer delivery.
• Drives operational readiness for new system launches, including establishing checkout workflows, staffing requirements, floor space planning, and infrastructure needs in advance of production ramp.
• Leads troubleshooting of complex integration failures during system checkout. Coordinates with engineering, quality, and supply chain to implement permanent corrective actions.
• Assesses the need for capital equipment and tooling across assigned areas and manages the associated procurement and implementation.
• Assists with the qualification of new suppliers and components by determining and establishing requirements in conjunction with other internal groups.
• Strong communication skills; places emphasis on developing strong employee relations and providing technical leadership to manufacturing technicians and assemblers.
• Other…