Process / Manufacturing Engineer
Department: Manufacturing / Operations
Reports To: Director of Manufacturing
Location: Fletcher, NC and Bradford, PA
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Process / Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency, reducing waste, supporting production flow, and ensuring consistent product quality across Microtech Knives’ manufacturing operations. This role works closely with Production, CNC, Assembly, Processing, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and leadership teams to evaluate current processes, troubleshoot production challenges, develop standard work, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
This position requires a hands-on manufacturing mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work directly on the production floor to identify opportunities, implement improvements, and support the company’s goals for safety, quality, delivery, and cost control.
Key Responsibilities
Process Improvement & Manufacturing Support
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Evaluate current manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and throughput.
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Analyze production flow, cycle times, downtime, scrap, rework, labor usage, and equipment utilization.
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Develop and implement process improvements to reduce waste, improve consistency, and increase output.
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Support production teams in troubleshooting process issues related to machining, assembly, finishing, inspection, material flow, and workflow.
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Partner with department leaders to improve daily production performance and remove bottlenecks.
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Assist in developing standard operating procedures, work instructions, visual aids, and process documentation.
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Support new product introductions and process changes from development through production launch.
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Review layouts, workstations, tooling, equipment, and material movement to improve flow and ergonomics.
Continuous Improvement
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Lead or support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, and corrective action initiatives.
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Identify and help eliminate non-value-added activities throughout manufacturing processes.
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Track improvement projects and report measurable results to leadership.
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Support cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality and safety standards.
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Work with supervisors and employees to create practical, sustainable solutions on the production floor.
Quality & Compliance Support
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Partner with Quality to investigate defects, process variation, rework, and customer return trends.
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Use data to identify root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
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Assist with developing process controls to ensure consistent product standards.
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Support documentation and traceability requirements as needed.
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Promote compliance with company safety standards, quality expectations, and operational procedures.
Equipment, Tooling & Production Layout
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Assist in evaluating equipment needs, tooling improvements, fixtures, and production layout changes.
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Work with Maintenance and Production to troubleshoot recurring equipment or process-related issues.
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Recommend improvements to machine utilization, workstation setup, material handling, and production flow.
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Support equipment installation, validation, and process readiness when new tools or machines are introduced.
Data Analysis & Reporting
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Collect and analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities.
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Prepare reports related to productivity, process performance, downtime, scrap, rework, and improvement projects.
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Use production data to support staffing, capacity planning, labor standards, and operational decision-making.
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Present findings and recommendations to leadership in a clear and practical manner.
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
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Equivalent hands-on manufacturing, machining, process improvement, or engineering experience may be considered.
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3+ years of experience in a manufacturing, machining, industrial, or process engineering environment preferred.
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Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production flow, process improvement, and quality systems.
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Experience with Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, 5S, Kaizen, standard work, or continuous improvement tools.
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Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, work instructions, and process documents.
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Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
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Proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
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Experience with ERP/MRP systems, CAD software, or production tracking systems preferred.
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Experience in CNC machining, precision manufacturing, metal fabrication, assembly, coatings, finishing, or knife/firearms-adjacent manufacturing is a plus.
Required Skills & Competencies
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Strong floor presence and ability to work directly with operators, supervisors, and department leaders.
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Practical problem-solving ability with a hands-on approach.
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Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization.
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Ability to balance engineering theory with real-world production needs.
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High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
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Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
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Strong sense of ownership, urgency, and follow-through.
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Ability to train, coach, and support employees during process changes.
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Professional judgment, confidentiality, and sound decision-making.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to spend extended periods of time on the manufacturing floor.
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Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and observe production processes throughout the facility.
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Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 25 pounds.
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Ability to work around manufacturing equipment, cutting tools, oils, coolants, and production materials.
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Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment as needed.
Work Environment
This position operates in both an office and manufacturing floor environment. The employee will regularly interact with production employees, supervisors, managers, quality personnel, engineering, maintenance, and leadership. The role requires flexibility, strong communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-precision manufacturing environment.
Performance Expectations
The successful Process / Manufacturing Engineer will be expected to:
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Improve production efficiency and reduce process waste.
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Help increase daily output and improve consistency.
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Reduce scrap, rework, defects, and bottlenecks.
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Support stronger documentation and standard work across departments.
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Partner effectively with production and quality teams.
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Provide practical, measurable improvements that support Microtech’s manufacturing goals.
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Maintain a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Microtech Knives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job-related requirements.
