Position: Manufacturing Engineer

Location/s: Richmond, VA

Duration: Full time, Permanent

Shift: 1st Shift

Benefits/Incentives: Insurance Offered (Medical, Dental, Vision, etc.)

Overview:

The Manufacturing Engineer holds a pivotal role within our organization, actively contributing to our objectives of profitability, return on investment, inventory turnover, and accident prevention. Operating with minimal supervision, this role identifies the most cost-efficient methods, systems, and machinery for product manufacturing. They devise both short- and long-term strategies for manufacturing, spearheading the introduction of new products and driving transformative initiatives across the facility. With oversight, they aid in the development of robotic automation and CNC machinery to bolster efficiency and quality. Key responsibilities include programming, creating fixtures, and training operators on CNC and robotic equipment, with a focus on enhancing productivity.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Prioritize safety in all operations and during company meetings.
• Deploy Lean manufacturing methodologies (J.I.T., Continuous Flow, Kanban, etc.) to cut costs and boost efficiency.
• Establish and enforce manufacturing systems and protocols to streamline processes.
• Educate supervisors and support staff on new production methods to reduce costs and lead times.
• Offer technical guidance and training for equipment and maintenance staff to minimize downtime.
• Ensure the quality of finished goods through technical assistance and training for manufacturing personnel.
• Continuously refine manufacturing labor standards to bolster efficiency and productivity.
• Review process routings and update documentation accordingly.
• Assess operational costs and suggest enhancements for budget adherence.
• Propose layout modifications to optimize space usage, material flow, and safety.
• Formulate both short- and long-term manufacturing strategies, encompassing capital investments.
• Evaluate, advocate for, and implement new equipment and tooling to improve processes.
• Develop maintenance plans to minimize equipment downtime.
• Contribute to the realization of company objectives through strategic planning and execution.
• Engage in product development to ensure alignment with manufacturing strategies and quality benchmarks.
• Employ Lean principles to design and implement innovative manufacturing processes and layouts.
• Support and train employees in continuous improvement sessions (kaizen).
• Monitor manufacturing labor costs and schedule adherence to ensure cost-effective production.
• Design and adapt fixtures, jigs, and tooling to refine manufacturing methods and quality.
• Maintain proficiency in Brake press, Laser machines, welding, and other manufacturing techniques.
• Fulfill additional duties as delegated by the Supervisor.

• Drive and manage change effectively.
• Lead teams and foster teamwork.
• Possess strong communication skills.
• Demonstrate business acumen.
• Focus on achieving results.

• Proficient in J.I.T., Continuous Flow Manufacturing, Kanban, and similar methodologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across different organizational hierarchies.
• Competent in coordinating multiple activities within cross-functional teams to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in computer software, including data entry, retrieval, and analysis.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and holidays if required.
• Experience with CAD systems and basic knowledge of CAM systems and robotic manufacturing.
• Familiarity with MRP systems, steel fabrication, welding, and industrial equipment assembly.
• Practical understanding of lean principles to minimize waste.
• Preferably possess organizational, leadership, and computer skills.
• Proficient in project management, encompassing planning, timelines, budgets, layouts, resource requirements, and ROI calculations.
• Sound understanding of tooling, fixtures, dimensional accuracy, and manufacturing quality.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field.
• Supervisory experience is desirable.
• 2-5 years’ experience in a discrete manufacturing environment.
• Experience in tooling/fixture design using 3D modeling software.
• Proficiency in utilizing various LEAN manufacturing techniques for process improvement.
• Background and experience in a production GMAW welding environment.

• Must pass a criminal background check (7-year felony sex offender)
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test (10 panels for recreational drugs and opiates)
• Applicants for employment must be U.S. Citizens or national, U.S. permanent residents (i.e., current Green Card holders), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.