Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer will support and improve manufacturing operations across multiple production lines, focusing on process optimization, product quality, production efficiency, and continuous improvement. This role will work closely with Operations, Quality, and R&D to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, analyze process data, conduct production trials, and implement improvements that enhance product consistency, reduce waste, and increase throughput.

Manufacturing Engineer Responsibilities

• Promote and support a safe working environment across manufacturing operations.
• Monitor and improve product quality by evaluating critical physical and aesthetic properties and identifying opportunities to improve process consistency.
• Lead and coordinate production line trials in collaboration with R&D and Operations to evaluate and implement process improvements.
• Monitor manufacturing performance metrics and key process indicators to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Identify, develop, and implement manufacturing process improvements to increase efficiency, throughput, and product yield while reducing waste and costs.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing and quality issues through root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, R&D, and other teams to support production goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply manufacturing and process engineering principles to improve production performance, product quality, and operational efficiency.

Manufacturing Engineer Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Wood Science, or a related engineering or technical field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in wood products manufacturing, with 3–5 years preferred.
• Experience with wood products, engineered wood, or related manufacturing processes, including compression molding and hydraulic press operations.
• Experience supporting production line trials, process optimization, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and structured problem-solving methods.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean and Six Sigma.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC), design of experiments (DOE), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and process data analysis.
• Proficiency with Excel and/or Minitab for data analysis and process improvement.
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate across Operations, Quality, R&D, and other functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate complex manufacturing challenges, and identify opportunities to improve process performance.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, technical processes, and the business impact of quality, efficiency, and cost improvements.