Manufacturing Engineer

• Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes for On and Off-road seating products with sewn covers, using sound engineering methods and advanced manufacturing practices.

• Collaborate with Industrial Design, Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and plant teams to ensure products are manufacturable, cost-effective, repeatable, and aligned with customer and end-user requirements.

• Develop robust manufacturing solutions for vinyl, leather, fabric, and other soft-good materials, incorporating cutting, sewing, upholstery and assembly methods, including fixtures for quality and ergonomic improvements.

• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process specifications, BOM support, routings, PFMEAs, control plans, training materials, and prototype and production marker files.

• Lead structured root-cause analysis for production, quality, and process issues using tools such as 5-Why, fishbone diagrams, data analysis, mistake-proofing, corrective action, and process validation.

• Lead new product introductions, launch readiness, prototype and pilot builds, process trials, plant implementation, and production support.

• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities related to quality, throughput, labor efficiency, material utilization, scrap reduction, equipment capability, automation, and standard work.

• Have the ability to travel occasionally to Milsco plants, including Mexico. A valid passport is required within 60 days of starting employment.

• May assign work to technical staff and manufacturing personnel.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical field preferred; equivalent technical education and experience may be considered.

• Minimum of three (3) years of manufacturing engineering, process engineering, advanced manufacturing, or production support experience in seating. Working knowledge of manufacturing processes for vinyl, leather, textiles, sewn covers, foam/trim components, seat assemblies, and related soft-good accessories strongly preferred.

• Strong analytical and technical problem-solving background with demonstrated experience in root-cause analysis, corrective action, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma methods, and data-driven decision making.

• Prior pattern making, sewing, and upholstery experience preferred or must be willing to learn.

• Experience developing work instructions, process documentation, PFMEAs, control plans, tooling/fixture concepts, and manufacturing launch plans.

• Experience with Accu-Mark Design/Accu-Nest, CutWorks, or similar software is preferred; willing to train and willingness to learn required.

• Great organizational and planning skills, able to multi-task.

Physical & Mental Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, use hands, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• This position is primarily office-based with regular work in manufacturing, cutting, sewing, upholstery, prototype, and warehouse areas. Noise levels may be louder in production areas and PPE may be required. Occasional domestic and international travel to Milsco plants, including plants in Mexico, is required to support plant launches, suppliers, production needs, and advanced manufacturing initiatives.

The above descriptions reflect the principal functions of the Manufacturing Engineer position and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.