Our Tier 1 automotive manufacturing facility in Pulaski, Tennessee is seeking a motivated and results-driven Manufacturing Engineer to join our engineering team. This role is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, supporting new product launches, optimizing production efficiency, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume plastic injection molding environment.
The ideal candidate will have experience in automotive manufacturing, strong technical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
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Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
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Support plastic injection molding operations by analyzing and improving process flow, equipment performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
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Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
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Support new product launches, engineering changes, and production transfers.
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Develop and maintain manufacturing work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), process documentation, and visual work aids.
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Analyze production data and recommend improvements to enhance throughput and reduce manufacturing costs.
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Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, and Process Engineering teams to resolve manufacturing issues.
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Participate in APQP activities, PFMEA development, Control Plans, and PPAP submissions.
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Support equipment installation, process validation, and production readiness activities.
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Conduct root cause analysis using 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D, and other structured problem-solving tools.
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Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 requirements, customer specifications, and company quality standards.
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Promote Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, standardized work, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.
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Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
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Minimum of 2–5 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
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Experience supporting plastic injection molding operations.
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Experience working for a Tier 1 automotive supplier preferred.
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Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis methodologies.
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Working knowledge of Automotive Core Tools:
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APQP
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PPAP
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PFMEA
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Control Plans
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SPC
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MSA
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Familiarity with IATF 16949 quality standards.
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Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP manufacturing systems.
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Experience supporting robotic automation and automated manufacturing cells.
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Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
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Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
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Knowledge of scientific molding principles.
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Experience with capital equipment projects and facility layouts.
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Competitive salary of $70,000–$85,000 based on experience
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