Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

Pinnacle Partners is recruiting for a Manufacturing Engineer in Columbus, IN. This position focuses on improving manufacturing processes, equipment efficiency, productivity, quality, and cost through hands-on engineering support, project leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment, a track record of leading projects from identification through implementation, and the ability to troubleshoot production issues and support automated equipment. Advanced PLC programming and robotics programming are not required, as the primary focus is on project execution, manufacturing improvements, problem-solving, and automation support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead manufacturing engineering projects from problem identification through implementation and validation.
• Improve manufacturing processes, equipment efficiency, productivity, quality, yield, cycle time, uptime, and scrap.
• Identify and execute cost-reduction and continuous improvement initiatives to improve operational performance.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support for manufacturing equipment, automated equipment, and production processes.
• Support automated equipment debugging, equipment installation, commissioning, and process validation.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, technical documentation, and process specifications.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, equipment suppliers, and external integrators.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, process documentation, wiring diagrams, project plans, and related technical records.
• Apply knowledge of industrial automation, control systems, and manufacturing processes to support production improvements.
• Work with sensors, actuators, drives, and industrial communication protocols as needed.
• Coordinate automation and controls-related activities with internal teams and external technical resources.
• Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, improve cycle times, increase productivity, and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Manage multiple projects and production priorities while ensuring projects are completed effectively.
• Support equipment startups, automation implementation, and process validation activities as needed.
• Provide occasional off-shift support for equipment startups, critical manufacturing issues, and project-related activities.
• Participate in supplier visits, training, and other project-related travel as needed.
• Spend approximately 75% of the workday on the manufacturing floor supporting production, troubleshooting issues, and implementing improvements.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to achieve manufacturing objectives.
• Perform additional manufacturing engineering and continuous improvement responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related qualifying engineering discipline.
• Manufacturing Engineering experience in a production environment.
• Experience leading engineering projects from initial problem identification through implementation.
• Hands-on production support, troubleshooting, and experience participating in equipment debugging activities.
• Ability to identify manufacturing inefficiencies and implement practical process improvements.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment operation, and production support.
• Ability to work with controls suppliers, maintenance teams, and external integrators when additional technical expertise is required.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical documentation, and process specifications.
• Strong logical thinking, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Organized, methodical approach to managing projects, priorities, and follow-through.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and drive projects forward without constant direction.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and external partners.
• Willingness to spend approximately 75% of the workday on the manufacturing floor.
• Must be local to the area or able to commute onsite to Columbus, IN.
• Willingness to provide occasional off-shift support during equipment startups, process validation, or critical production issues.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for supplier visits, training, and support of other company facilities.

Preferred:

• Experience in automotive, industrial products, consumer products, medical devices, aerospace, or other manufacturing environments. Aerospace experience is a plus, but automotive experience is not required.
• Practical experience with Lean manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated results in scrap reduction, cycle-time optimization, productivity improvements, equipment efficiency, or cost savings.
• Exposure to industrial automation, PLC-controlled equipment, sensors, actuators, drives, industrial communication protocols, vision systems, robotics, or motion control.
• Experience troubleshooting automated equipment and participating in equipment debugging.
• Experience with equipment installation, commissioning, validation, or process launches.
• Experience coordinating with equipment suppliers, maintenance teams, and external automation integrators.
• Experience developing process documentation, work instructions, and project plans.
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Experience leading manufacturing improvement projects involving multiple technical disciplines and resources.
• Familiarity with critical path planning, project management, and manufacturing process optimization.

Advanced PLC programming, robotics programming, and Lean/Six Sigma certifications are not required. Practical application, project ownership, troubleshooting ability, and measurable results are more valuable than certifications alone.

Benefits Overview:

• Annual salary of approximately $75,000–$85,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Three weeks of PTO, totaling 120 hours annually.
• Flexible Friday schedule, with every other Friday off.
• 10 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including an HSA-compatible plan.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Company-paid long-term disability and group life insurance.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Supportive workplace culture emphasizing integrity, respect, trust, and teamwork