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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Manufacturing Engineer

💰 $85,000 - $125,000

EngineeringManufacturingOperationsProcess Improvement

🎯 Role Definition

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you are the critical link between product design and high-volume production. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain the highest standards of quality and safety. This role involves hands-on problem-solving on the factory floor, collaborating with cross-functional teams including design, quality, and supply chain, and leveraging data to drive strategic improvements. You will be instrumental in launching new products (NPI) and scaling production, making a direct impact on our operational success and bottom line.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Manufacturing Engineer
  • Process Technician
  • Engineering Intern / Co-op

Advancement To:

  • Senior Manufacturing Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineering Manager
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Supply Chain Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods, utilizing knowledge of product design, materials, fabrication processes, tooling and equipment capabilities, assembly methods, and quality control standards.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance production efficiency, reduce waste (muda), and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Design, justify, and implement new manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and tooling required for production, ensuring they meet safety, quality, and performance specifications.
  • Create and maintain detailed manufacturing documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process flow diagrams, and process validation protocols.
  • Analyze and plan workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and design the layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency and ergonomic safety.
  • Perform structured root cause analysis (RCA) on production defects and implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to mitigate recurrence and improve product quality.
  • Collaborate closely with Design Engineering teams to provide crucial Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) feedback during the new product introduction (NPI) process.
  • Manage the transition of new products from the design phase to full-scale production, including process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) and pilot run execution to ensure a smooth launch.
  • Troubleshoot daily production issues on the manufacturing floor, providing hands-on technical support to production teams to minimize downtime and resolve process bottlenecks.
  • Develop and manage comprehensive project plans for manufacturing-related projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of objectives.
  • Conduct time studies, capacity analysis, and line balancing activities to optimize resource allocation and maximize production throughput.
  • Identify and champion capital equipment projects, including developing compelling business cases, defining technical specifications, sourcing vendors, and overseeing installation and commissioning.
  • Implement and monitor Statistical Process Control (SPC) for critical process parameters to ensure all manufacturing processes remain stable, capable, and predictable.
  • Train and certify production personnel on new processes, equipment operation, and quality standards to ensure proper execution and adherence to established procedures.
  • Support the Quality department in investigating customer complaints and internal non-conformances that are related to manufacturing processes, providing technical expertise.
  • Liaise with suppliers and external vendors to qualify new components, resolve material quality issues, and drive improvements across the supply chain.
  • Drive cost reduction projects by identifying and executing opportunities in material usage, labor efficiency, scrap reduction, and process optimization.
  • Ensure all manufacturing processes and equipment comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental policies (e.g., ISO, OSHA, EPA).
  • Utilize ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) to create and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), process routings, and other manufacturing data.
  • Prepare and present technical reports, project status updates, and process performance metrics to management and key stakeholders.
  • Lead and participate in Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) activities to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks in new and existing manufacturing processes.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive validation and verification plans for new equipment, processes, and software to ensure they meet all operational and quality requirements.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate in internal and external audits by providing process documentation and expert testimony on manufacturing operations.
  • Mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing guidance on technical challenges and fostering professional development.
  • Stay abreast of new manufacturing technologies, automation, robotics, and industry best practices to drive innovation within the facility.
  • Support maintenance teams in developing robust preventative maintenance schedules and troubleshooting complex equipment failures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in 3D/2D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CREO) for fixture and tool design.
  • Strong understanding and practical application of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles (Green/Black Belt certification is a strong plus).
  • Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) for managing BOMs, routings, and production orders.
  • Expertise in interpreting engineering drawings, including a deep understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Knowledge of process validation methodologies (IQ/OQ/PQ), particularly within regulated industries.
  • Competency in statistical analysis software (e.g., Minitab, JMP) for SPC, DOE, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Experience with structured root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis).
  • Familiarity with quality management systems (QMS) and standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or ISO 13485.
  • Hands-on experience with a variety of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, injection molding, welding, stamping, or electronics assembly (SMT).
  • Project management skills and familiarity with tools like MS Project, Smartsheet, or Jira.
  • Basic understanding of PLC logic, robotics, and factory automation is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills with a hands-on, methodical approach to troubleshooting.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences from the shop floor to executive leadership.
  • A collaborative mindset with a proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
  • High attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to quality, accuracy, and safety.
  • Natural leadership and influencing skills to drive change and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and often demanding manufacturing environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in an engineering discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Engineering or an MBA.
  • Professional certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), or Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial & Systems Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
3-7 years of direct experience in a manufacturing engineering or process engineering role.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a high-volume or highly regulated industry such as automotive, aerospace, medical device, or consumer electronics.
  • A proven track record of leading significant process improvement, cost reduction, or capital equipment installation projects from conception to completion.
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