Manufacturing Engineer II - 1st Shift

Description We’re Hiring:
Manufacturing Engineer II

Kato Cable is seeking an experienced, hands-on Manufacturing Engineer II to lead process improvements, advance automation, and strengthen manufacturing performance across our production operations in Mankato, Minnesota.

Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 5:30am - 4:00 pm
Salary: $65k - $75k annually

This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, working directly with production teams, and turning data and technical expertise into sustainable results.

• Design, optimize, and validate manufacturing and equipment processes
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and minimize variation
• Identify and implement automation opportunities
• Lead capital equipment projects from specification and vendor evaluation through implementation and validation
• Serve as the primary engineering resource for complex customer-driven manufacturing projects
• Lead root cause analysis and support effective corrective and preventive actions
• Use production data and KPIs to improve quality, cycle time, equipment uptime, and overall performance
• Manage engineering changes and ensure accurate, compliant documentation
• Provide technical training and guidance to engineers, technicians, and production employees
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Project Engineering, and Supply Chain to develop practical, sustainable solutions

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field
• Four to seven years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience with equipment troubleshooting, process optimization, and continuous improvement
• Experience using CAD software and manufacturing data to support engineering decisions
• Strong project-management, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills
• Ability to independently manage competing priorities while remaining actively involved on the production floor

Experience with automation, capital equipment acquisition, cable assembly or wire harness manufacturing, Lean or Six Sigma methodologies, ERP systems, or ISO 9001 is preferred.

The ideal candidate is proactive, accountable, and comfortable influencing decisions across technical and non-technical teams. You understand that successful engineering improvements must consider the full impact on people, product, and process—not just the immediate technical solution.

Kato Cable is located in Mankato, Minnesota.

JOB PURPOSE: The Manufacturing Engineer II is responsible for supporting and improving manufacturing operations by developing proficiency across multiple production areas and leading initiatives that enhance process efficiency, quality, and compliance. This role designs, optimizes, and validates manufacturing and equipment processes; drives automation initiatives; and applies Lean Manufacturing methodologies to reduce variability and improve overall productivity. The Manufacturing Engineer II operates with a high degree of independence and serves as a technical resource for cross-functional teams.

• Develop and maintain proficiency in at least two of three designated production areas and provide advanced engineering support within those areas.
• Develop, implement, optimize, and maintain manufacturing and equipment processes to ensure clarity, efficiency, repeatability, and compliance with internal procedures and external customer specifications.
• Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and 5S methodologies to improve productivity, reduce waste, and minimize process variation.
• Drive automation initiatives by identifying…