Position: Manufacturing Engineer
Effective Date: 10/1/2024
Reports to: General Manager
Hours: Full-time salaried, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)
The Manufacturing Engineer supports the manufacturing processes and leads continuous improvement initiatives for key production cells. The role involves optimizing equipment and personnel cycle times, improving material flow, and driving production efficiency. This position will utilize both Engineering and Lean skill sets to drive high-impact improvements as well as drive New Product Introduction (NPI) activities for all new programs. This position reports directly to the General Manager supporting all company-wide strategic initiatives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, develop, evaluate, and support both existing and new manufacturing processes to improve and maintain production throughput and quality.
- Design and optimize production layouts, tooling, and fixtures to support efficient manufacturing flow.
- Create and implement new process documentation, including standard worksheets, process flow diagrams, and standard operating procedures for all improvements.
- Develop, monitor and analyze manufacturing performance metrics to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities
- Troubleshoot and resolve production and quality issues, collaborating with relevant teams to ensure timely resolution
- Act as a liaison between Manufacturing, Prototyping, Quality and Customer Service and other internal groups to support production.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including Continuous Flow, VSM, TAKT, Kanban, SMED and Kaizen events.
- Apply lean manufacturing techniques such as Poka-Yoke, Andon, 5S, 5Why, PDCA, and Quality at Source to analyze and improve material flow and cell layouts, optimizing production efficiency, safety, and cost while eliminating waste.
- Guide and coach both direct and cross-functional teams in Lean principles, while training and developing Lean competencies with Production Leads and Assemblers.
- Manage the NPI process for new electronic and electro-mechanical products by developing and executing project plans, budgets, and resource requirements to support new program launches.
- Monitor program progress, identify potential risks or delays, and implement corrective measures as needed.
- Organize and lead program and phase gate reviews.
- Hands-on, capable of building and testing prototype components and assemblies.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
- 5 years minimum production experience in electronics manufacturing
- Demonstrated Lean/Six Sigma skills and training
- Able to read wiring schematics and mechanical drawings.
- Degree in a related field preferred but not required.
- Can be a combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
- Strong Lean Six Sigma problem-solving skills and experience
- Software application skills (SolidWorks, Excel, MS Project, Viso)
- Project/Program Management skills.
- Experience with Bills of Materials and process documents in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with ERP and MRP
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Positive and professional demeanor with strong sense of urgency
- Must be able to multi-task and support other roles as required.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Experience with cable and wiring harness manufacturing.
- Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification
- Experience with ISO-9001 or AS9100 and IPC-A-620 &/or J-STD-001.
- Knowledge of IPC 620.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Moving and examining objects at standard reach.
- Must be able to access and navigate the production facility.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with others to exchange information.