Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Purpose

Provides technical leadership and operational excellence support to manufacturing, ensuring safe execution of work while meeting engineering, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. Serves as both a subject matter expert in welding and fabrication, industrial processes and can function as a driver of LEAN manufacturing transformation.

Requires daily onsite attendance at manufacturing plant; this is not a remote work position.

Key Responsibilities – Standard Work

Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Serve as manufacturing SME for structural welding, fabrication, and integrated production systems.
• Partner with design engineering to ensure manufacturability (DFM) and efficient product design.
• Lead structured root cause analysis and resolution of production issues.
• Review and approve ECO/ECR changes to ensure manufacturing readiness and workflow integrity.

Cost & Productivity Improvement

• Lead initiatives to reduce cost, improve labor efficiency, and minimize scrap.
• Optimize facility layout and material flow to support scalable, high-efficiency operations.
• Support benchmarking and continuous improvement.

LEAN Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Support deployment of LEAN principles (6S, Standard Work, Visual Management) across operations.
• Drive value stream optimization focused on flow, waste reduction, and SQDC performance.

Manufacturing Systems, Tooling & Automation

• Design and implement tooling, jigs, fixtures, and material handling solutions to improve safety and throughput.
• Partner with controls and engineering teams on system performance, troubleshooting, and upgrades.

Standard Work & Process Control

• Review, update, or create new routers defining process steps, sequence of operations, work instructions, and labor hour estimates.
• Develop, implement, and sustain Standard Work across manufacturing operations.
• Conduct time studies and maintain accurate routing and process data.
• Reinforce process discipline through documentation, control, and continuous improvement.

Collaboration & Culture

• Coach and train teams in process discipline and problem‑solving methodologies.
• Partner cross‑functionally across engineering, operations, and supply chain.
• Reinforce safety, quality, and accountability as foundational priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, welding engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience with welding & machining.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with:
• AutoCAD and engineering 3D modeling software (e.g., Solid Works).
• LEAN principles (Standard Work, 6S, Visual Management).
• Proven experience in facility layout, material flow design, and process optimization.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, including weld symbols and GD&T.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to read and understand WPS’s and PQR’s.

Desired

• Automated material handling systems and industrial equipment integration.
• Experience with automated welding.
• Formal LEAN / Six Sigma certification.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
• Hands‑on experience with AGVs, AMRs, or automated transport systems.
• Exposure to MES, data capture, or smart manufacturing systems.
• Basic capability in PLC programming, automation logic, or system configuration.

• Ability to drive change and continuous improvement.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of welding processes (GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, SAW, etc.).
• Understanding of materials (SST, duplex, aluminum, carbon steel, etc.) and how they are welded.
• Understanding of welding codes (AWS, ASME, API, etc.).
• Familiarity with NDT methods (VT, MT, PT, RT, UT, etc.) and how they are used to inspect welds.
• Knowledge of mechanical and metallurgical testing.
• Knowledge of appropriate steps to analytical problem solving.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to work in a team environment, remaining attentive to ideas, recognizing responsibilities, and actively participating with others to…