Description:
The Manufacturing Process Engineer (Entry Level) is an engineering role focused on building foundational experience in manufacturing systems, tools, and processes. Working under the guidance of senior engineers or team leads, the Engineer supports day-to-day engineering tasks related to production operations, continuous improvement efforts, and process documentation.
This role provides exposure to core manufacturing functions including production support, data collection, root cause analysis assistance, and the development of standard work and process documentation. The Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams such as Maintenance, Quality, Purchasing, R&D, EH&S, and Operations to learn how engineering contributes to safety, efficiency, and product quality in a production environment.
Team members are expected to demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and professionalism while gaining hands-on experience in troubleshooting, lean principles, and plant operations. This role lays the groundwork for career advancement through active learning, consistent contribution, and participation in team-driven initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities (but not limited to)
Process Design and Improvement
- Assist in documenting existing production processes and standard work instructions.
- Participate in time studies, line balancing exercises, and workflow observations.
- Support the drafting and maintenance of standard operating procedures, visual aids, and process maps.
- Help collect process performance data (e.g., cycle time, yield) under the supervision of more experienced engineers.
- Identify simple process inefficiencies and report observations to senior engineers.
- Contribute to kaizen events and continuous improvement activities by gathering data and implementing basic changes.
- Learn and apply lean manufacturing concepts such as 5S, waste identification, and standard work.
Technical Knowledge and Expertise
- Learn and understand basic manufacturing processes, production equipment, and material handling techniques.
- Observe/learn troubleshooting and problem-solving techniques used by experienced engineers and technicians.
- Collaborate with production and maintenance staff to gain a hands-on understanding of shop floor operations.
- Become familiar with fundamental engineering tools and documents such as standard operating procedures and work instructions.
- Participate in basic time studies and process observations to identify inefficiencies or variations.
- Develop entry-level competency in tools such as excel, CAD, and ERP/MES systems relevant to process engineering.
- Attend technical training and shadow engineering teams to build foundational knowledge.
- Contribute to technical documentation updates and continuous improvement projects at an introductory level.
Leadership
- Take ownership of and demonstrate reliability in completing assigned tasks or components within projects under the supervision of senior engineers (e.g. trial runs, SOP updates, data gathering), seeking feedback for improvement.
- Communicates progress clearly with cross-functional peers and asks questions proactively
- Participate in team discussions and department meetings, gradually building confidence in voicing ideas and asking strategic questions.
- Begin developing project planning and organization skills through exposure to strategies, project scopes, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
- Take personal responsibility for learning new tools, systems, and engineering principles and knowledge that support strategic execution.
- Model professionalism, safety awareness, and continuous learning for peers and technicians on the shop floor.
Professional Development
- Actively engage in onboarding and orientation activities to build foundational understanding of plant operations, safety, and team expectations.
- Learn core engineering principles and internal processes. Show consistent progress in technical skills, communication, and reliability through active participation and engagement.
- Document and report simple process metrics and test data.
- Participate in assigned technical and procedural training, including SOPs, process documentation, and basic Lean principles. Take initiative in understanding key tools and systems such as CAD software, ERP systems, and data collection platforms. Develop learning milestones in collaboration with a manager or mentor.
- Participate in lean and continuous improvement activities (5S, Kaizen, waste walks)
- Shadow experienced engineers and technicians during problem-solving initiatives and to observe manufacturing processes and learn hands-on applications.
- Participate in cross-functional team meetings to build awareness of how engineering supports production, maintenance, quality, and logistics. Contribute to team knowledge sharing by documenting learnings and assisting in updates to work instructions or procedures.
- Seek mentorship for performance and career guidance. Ask questions and seek feedback regularly to accelerate learning and clarify responsibilities. Demonstrate openness to coaching and constructive feedback as part of performance development.
Collaboration and Partnership
- Support collaborative efforts with suppliers to resolve issues related to materials, components, or equipment.
- Work under the guidance of senior engineers to support cross-functional tasks involving Production, Maintenance and Quality.
- Communicate clearly with operators, technicians, and supervisors to gather feedback and understand production needs.
- Attend daily production or engineering team meetings to build understanding of workflows.
- Shadow cross-functional project teams to learn how Engineering integrates with other departments.
- Foster positive relationships with peers and cross-department contacts through reliable support and active listening.
- Ask questions and seek input from team members across functions to build cross-functional awareness.
- Demonstrate responsiveness, respect, and a learning mindset in all collaborative interactions.
Risk Management
- Develop fundamental knowledge of federal, state & local regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, NYS-DEC) and internal policies and procedures.
- Support safety, quality and regulatory initiatives.
- Participate in compliance audits by supporting data collection and observation.
- Support quality control procedures by helping with inspection, documentation, and defect tracking tasks.
- Participate in early-stage PFMEA and risk analysis discussions to understand risk identification processes.
- Assist in the creation of simple checklists and job aids to support quality and safety compliance.
Requirements:
- 0–2 years of experience in manufacturing, process, or production engineering (internships, co-ops, or equivalent project work accepted).
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Hands-on exposure to process improvement, production troubleshooting, and data-driven problem solving.
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Familiarity with Lean principles, standard work documentation, and collaboration with cross-functional production teams is preferred.
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Exposure to ERP or MES systems.
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Experience interpreting technical drawings, P&IDs, or CAD models.
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Basic understanding of PFMEA, control plans, and validation processes.
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Prior engagement with packaging or assembly operations (manual or automated).
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Experience collaborating with maintenance or automation teams on equipment performance or reliability issues.
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Familiarity with health and safety regulations
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Strong Communication and Interpersonal skills
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A “hands-on” self-starter with strong collaboration and organizational skills.
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Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (word, powerpoint, excel, visio)
- Willingness to adapt and learn new skills to increase efficiency
Education:
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Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering
COMPANY BENEFITS
- Competitive Compensation
- Generous Paid Time Off
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Biannual Bonus Program
- 401k with Company Match
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Annual Reviews and Merit Based Raises
- Room for Advancement and Career Growth
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Schluter Systems is a family-owned and internationally renowned company that has been rapidly growing over the last 10 years. The Schluter brand is backed by a team of people working together to create a line of innovative products that provide solutions to the tile industry. We’re looking to build our team with individuals who like to think BIG and want to be part of what makes our products extraordinary. We are a company that treats its employees, suppliers, and customers as long-term partners. Where success is built on a win-win philosophy and everyone should benefit.
"Profit is not the goal of the business. Profit is the consequence of a job well done" Werner Schluter, Founder
Are you interested in a truly unique and special company? Hear from our employees on what it means to be part of the Schluter family: http://www.schluter.com/careers . Then if you’re ready to see life in Orange, talk to us about this career opportunity at Schluter Systems.
This pay range reflects the base hourly rate or annual salary for positions in this job grade, with the final offer depending on factors like experience, education, location, and other relevant considerations. Additionally, this role qualifies for extra benefits beyond the base pay range mentioned.
At Schluter Systems, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse perspectives and ensures all individuals are valued and supported, without discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our commitment to equal opportunity extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, and transfers. All employment decisions at Schluter Systems L.P. are based solely on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
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