Manufacturing Engineer – Process Improvement

Full Time Lakeville, MN, US

7 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $85,000.00 To $ Annually

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer - Process and Continuous Improvement

Reports To: Engineering Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Manufacturing Engineer for Process and Continuous Improvement develops and improves manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, consistency, and product quality. This role works closely with production, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams to reduce waste, resolve process problems, support new product introductions, and sustain improvements through standard work and measurable results.

• Develop and implement manufacturing methods, procedures, and standard work instructions for efficient and repeatable production.
• Maintain process documentation, work standards, process flow diagrams, and records of implemented improvements.
• Design or modify tooling, fixtures, workstation layouts, and material flow to improve productivity and ergonomics.
• Conduct time studies, capacity analyses, and line balancing to identify bottlenecks and establish accurate production standards.
• Train shop floor personnel on new products, standard work, and revised processes; verify adoption of improvements.
• Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives, including 5S, waste reduction, setup reduction, and continuous improvement events.
• Validate process changes using production trials, capability studies, and appropriate measurement methods.
• Collaborate with product development teams to improve manufacturability and support new product introductions.
• Create and manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and incorporate approved changes into production documentation.
• Validate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and routings to reflect improved methods, material requirements, and processing times.
• Use production data and structured root cause analysis to reduce scrap, rework, downtime, and variation; track sustained results.
• Follow safety and quality requirements and support the quality policy and customer satisfaction.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.
• A minimum of three years of manufacturing experience with process improvement, or a combination of relevant experience and advanced engineering education.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; experience with time studies, root cause analysis, and process capability assessment.
• Proficiency in Lean manufacturing, 5S, standard work, and statistical process control;
  Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Hands-on experience with CAD software (preferably Solid Works), ERP systems (preferably Global Shop Solutions), and Microsoft Office.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally as part of job duties.
• May involve extended periods of standing, walking, bending, or stooping.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate tools, equipment, or computers.
• Work involves time spent in both an office setting and on the production floor.
• Regular interaction with cross-functional teams, including product development, quality assurance, and shop floor personnel.
• Hands-on work with equipment, tooling, and production processes to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Exposure to typical manufacturing environments, including noise, heat, or dust, with appropriate safety protocols in place.
• Flexibility is required to address production challenges and meet project deadlines.

Finalists for this position will be required to successfully complete a background check. Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening before beginning employment.