Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Department: Manufacturing Operations

Location: On-site (Manufacturing Facility)

Reports To: Plant Manager

Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for improving and supporting manufacturing operations through process optimization, production support, and engineering development. This role drives measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and cost while supporting the production of custom HVAC equipment.

This is a hands-on role requiring regular presence on the production floor, working directly with operators to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and develop scalable manufacturing solutions.

Manufacturing Environment

This role operates in a hands-on fabrication environment that includes:

• Sheet metal fabrication (cutting, forming, bending)
• Welding and mechanical assembly
• Paint and finishing processes
• Custom HVAC equipment, including fans and air movement systems
• Electrical components, wiring, and basic controls

Key Responsibilities

1. Process Improvement & Throughput

• Analyze fabrication workflows (sheet metal, weld, paint, assembly) to identify bottlenecks and drive improvements in throughput, labor efficiency, and first-pass yield

2. Manufacturing Development

• Design and improve tooling, fixtures, and workholding for fabricated assemblies
• Optimize flow from fabrication through paint and final assembly
• Support DFM for custom HVAC products (fans, housings, assemblies)

3. Production Support & Problem Solving

• Troubleshoot fabrication and welding defects, dimensional issues, and assembly challenges
• Provide hands-on support to operators across fabrication, weld, paint, and assembly

4. Equipment, Automation & Cost

• Evaluate and improve fabrication and welding equipment (press brakes, weld equipment, material handling systems)
• Identify automation opportunities and cost reduction initiatives

What Success Looks Like (First 6–12 Months)

• Improves throughput in at least one key bottleneck area (fabrication, welding, or assembly)
• Reduces rework and improves quality in core processes
• Delivers 2–3 measurable process improvements with clear business impact
• Builds strong working relationships with operators and supervisors
• Establishes clear process documentation and standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent work experience)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Experience with SOLIDWORKS or AutoCAD
• Ability to analyze and present data effectively

Preferred / Desired Experience

• Experience in sheet metal fabrication and welding environments
• Experience with HVAC equipment, fans, or air movement systems
• Familiarity with paint systems and finishing processes
• Exposure to electrical systems, wiring, or basic controls
• Experience working in custom or engineer-to-order manufacturing
• 3-8+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience in a fabrication or assembly environment preferred

Success Profile

• Hands-on, practical problem solver comfortable on the shop floor
• Strong ownership and ability to work independently
• Data-driven with a focus on measurable results
• Effective communicator with production and leadership teams

This role is critical to improving manufacturing performance and supporting continued growth in a custom, engineer-to-order environment.