Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title:

Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer provides direct, hands-on support to active production lines, ensuring continuous operation and quickly resolving issues that affect throughput, quality, or safety. This role focuses on troubleshooting production stops, repairing or redesigning tooling and fixtures, and delivering real-time engineering solutions to operators on the shop floor. The engineer manages Requests for Engineering Assistance (REAs), improves manufacturing instructions and processes, and drives continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Success in this position requires strong Solid Works skills, practical mechanical problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate closely with production, quality, and operations teams.

Responsibilities

* Provide hands-on support to active production lines to maintain operational continuity and minimize downtime.

* Diagnose and resolve production issues such as damaged or missing tools, worn or missing fixtures, mold defects, part nonconformances, and floor safety concerns.

* Respond quickly to production stops and determine root causes to restore throughput and maintain product quality.

* Repair, modify, and redesign tooling and fixtures using CAD tools, with a focus on Solid Works, to support ongoing production needs.

* Design and develop new fixtures and fixturing concepts, including leveraging 3D printing capabilities where appropriate.

* Support operators on the shop floor with real-time engineering solutions and practical guidance to keep production moving.

* Manage and execute Requests for Engineering Assistance (REAs), including evaluating requests, defining solutions, and implementing changes.

* Update and clarify manufacturing work instructions to improve ease of manufacture, reduce variability, and enhance clarity for operators.

* Improve material handling and cutting methods to make materials easier to work with and to support consistent, high-quality output.

* Collaborate closely with production leads, quality engineering, and operations to address recurring issues and drive continuous improvement.

* Contribute to process improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance efficiency, safety, and product quality.

* Maintain accurate documentation related to tooling changes, fixture designs, REAs, and process updates.

* Support CMM inspection activities when needed, especially involving laser CMM, to verify part conformity and tooling performance.

* Use SAP ERP or similar systems, as applicable, to manage engineering changes, documentation, and production-related data.

* Balance multiple requests and projects, staying busy with ongoing aerospace-related work and supporting long-term production programs.

* Work proactively with minimal day-to-day supervision, coordinating with an experienced engineer while independently managing assigned areas of the factory.

Essential Skills

* Proven experience in manufacturing engineering, with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and shop-floor operations.

* Solid Works proficiency required, with the ability to modify and design tooling, fixtures, and production-related components.

* Hands-on troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for resolving damaged tools, mold failures, defects, and safety concerns.

* Demonstrated experience supporting active production lines and responding to production stops in real time.

* Experience with process improvement, continuous improvement, and lean manufacturing principles in a production environment.

* Ability to manage and execute Requests for Engineering Assistance (REAs), including updating work instructions and process documentation.

* Strong documentation and writing skills to clearly update and maintain manufacturing instructions and engineering records.

* Practical mechanical aptitude and comfort working directly on the shop floor with tools, fixtures, and production equipment.

* Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently without close 1:1 guidance while still collaborating effectively with a broader team.

* Experience using or supporting 3D printing, either in a professional setting or as a hobby, for tooling and fixture applications.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly in aerospace or similar industries, is preferred.

* CATIA experience is preferred and considered a plus, especially for supporting complex tooling or aerospace-related designs.

* CMM experience, especially with laser CMM, is preferred for validating parts and tooling.

* Familiarity with SAP ERP or similar enterprise resource planning systems is preferred.

* Experience or exposure to the rubber industry and strong problem-solving abilities are an excellent fit for this role.

* Experience with fixture design and documentation management is beneficial.

* Exposure to project management, engineering design, and aerospace engineering environments is advantageous.

* Interest in long-term growth…