Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Watertown, CT
Duration: Direct Hire Onsite
Salary: $80-85K DOE plus 5% Bonus and Excellent Benefits
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. This position operates with minimal supervision and is responsible for managing projects ranging from daily process improvements to the evaluation, financial justification, procurement, and implementation of capital equipment purchases.
The Manufacturing Engineer will provide hands-on engineering support to manufacturing operations and facility systems by improving equipment performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring equipment reliability and uptime. This role collaborates closely with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams to improve productivity, increase capacity, enhance safety, improve quality, and maximize equipment effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
-
Provide direct support for manufacturing equipment, production processes, maintenance activities, facility systems, and safety initiatives.
-
Spend approximately 50% of time supporting production operations and troubleshooting manufacturing challenges.
-
Design, develop, test, source, justify, and implement tooling, fixtures, machinery modifications, and production equipment to improve safety, throughput, quality, reliability, and capacity.
-
Lead capital equipment projects from concept development through evaluation, financial justification, procurement, installation, and implementation.
-
Manage and coordinate external contractors, including electrical, mechanical, PLC programming, construction, plumbing, HVAC, and facility service providers.
-
Collaborate with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and Quality teams to improve processes and resolve equipment-related issues.
-
Train and guide production personnel on equipment setup, operation, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures.
-
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, yield, consistency, equipment reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
-
Develop and execute project plans while managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
-
Partner with Product Engineering to ensure new product designs are manufacturable and cost-effective.
-
Create and maintain process documentation, process flow diagrams, and PFMEA documentation while supporting IATF 16949 and APQP requirements.
-
Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives and implement best practices to achieve operational excellence, high equipment availability, low scrap rates, and zero customer quality issues.
-
Develop and implement Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvement plans.
-
Participate in and lead cross-functional problem-solving teams and continuous improvement projects.
-
Create, review, and approve work process instructions and manufacturing documentation.
-
Investigate, document, and report safety incidents while reinforcing safe work practices.
-
Ensure a safe and compliant working environment.
-
Monitor tooling consumption and address abnormalities.
-
Ensure manufacturing practices remain compliant with company policies, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
-
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
-
Minimum of 2-6 years of engineering experience.
-
At least 2-5 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in a production environment.
Required Skills & Knowledge
-
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, secondary operations, broaching, piercing, precision assembly, and related production methods.
-
Proven problem-solving skills utilizing methodologies such as Six Sigma, Design of Experiments (DOE), 8D, Shainin techniques, or similar structured approaches.
-
Demonstrated experience managing large-scale projects, capital equipment acquisitions, and new product introductions.
-
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives.
-
Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams.
-
Experience with cost analysis, technical writing, blueprint interpretation, statistical analysis, and process control.
-
Knowledge of tooling, fixture, and gage design principles.
-
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and CAD software; Siemens NX experience preferred.
-
Working knowledge of plant and facilities engineering, electronics, pneumatics, controls systems, engineering standards, cost estimating, and process optimization.
-
Understanding of process capabilities, materials, manufacturing requirements, and product launch processes.
-
Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, including:
-
5S
-
Kaizen
-
Kanban
-
Poka-Yoke
-
Process Mapping
-
Value Stream Mapping
Preferred Qualifications
-
Experience with ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 quality management systems.
-
Knowledge of Automotive AIAG Core Tools, including:
-
FMEA
-
Control Plans
-
PPAP
-
MSA
-
SPC
-
PLC programming experience.
Additional Requirements
-
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
-
Ability and willingness to travel, including international travel.
-
Flexibility to work staggered schedules or second shift as business needs require.
-
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
-
Strong team-oriented approach with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
#INDTPGSHELTON
