Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title:

Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in developing and integrating trailer products into production while driving continuous improvement across fabrication, assembly, and machining operations. This position combines hands-on work on the shop floor with technical engineering responsibilities, ensuring that designs are manufacturable, processes are efficient, and communication flows effectively between engineering, operations, and supply chain partners.

Responsibilities

+ Collaborate closely with production operators, supervisors, and engineering staff to integrate new and existing products into manufacturing, spending approximately 60-70% of time on the shop floor.

+ Conduct time studies and workflow analyses to understand current processes, identify bottlenecks, and recommend improvements in productivity, cost, and responsiveness.

+ Develop and refine manufacturing processes for metal fabrication, including structural tubing, plate cutting and forming, and welding operations, with a focus on large weldments and assemblies.

+ Create and maintain 3D CAD models and detailed 2D drawings for large weldments, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with manufacturing capabilities.

+ Apply engineering principles such as Design for Assembly (DFA), GD&T per ASME standards, Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and Engineering Change (EC) processes to support robust product and process design.

+ Manage and support engineering deviations and change documentation to ensure controlled and traceable updates to products and processes.

+ Work with ERP systems to develop and maintain accurate bills of materials (BOMs) and routings that reflect real-world manufacturing steps and resource requirements.

+ Support and improve large assembly processes, ensuring efficient sequencing, tooling, and material flow through the production environment.

+ Collaborate with CNC machining operations to align part designs, tolerances, and fixtures with machining capabilities and productivity targets.

+ Engage in simultaneous engineering efforts with strategic supply chain partners to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and quality throughout the product lifecycle.

+ Incorporate regulatory considerations into the engineering and design process, including transportation-related requirements such as DOT and NTSB guidelines where applicable.

+ Drive continuous improvement initiatives across fabrication and assembly, focusing on process optimization, waste reduction, and quality enhancement.

+ Provide operations support by troubleshooting manufacturing issues, resolving technical problems, and implementing corrective actions on the shop floor.

+ Communicate effectively with both engineers and non-engineers, translating technical concepts into clear, practical guidance for operators and stakeholders.

+ Demonstrate self-directed work habits by proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, proposing solutions, and following through to implementation.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from an ABET-accredited institution.

+ Minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in manufacturing engineering or a closely related field.

+ Proficiency in Solid Works for 3D CAD modeling and 2D drawing creation.

+ Strong understanding of Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.

+ Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME standards.

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Experience with Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) in a manufacturing environment.

+ Familiarity with Engineering Change (EC) processes and engineering deviations.

+ Fundamental understanding of manufacturing operations, including ERP systems, BOM structure, and routing.

+ Hands-on experience with metal fabrication processes, including structural tubing and plate metal cutting and forming.

+ Understanding of welding jigs, fixtures, and large assembly processes.

+ Exposure to CNC machining operations and their integration with product design.

+ Experience working directly with operators on the shop floor, including conducting time studies and process observations.

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