What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer position at American Seating Company?
TITLE: Manufacturing Engineer
REPORTS TO: Manufacturing Engineer Supervisor
EXEMPTION STATUS: Full-Time, Salary-Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY: This role supports the Final Assembly and Packaging department by developing, evaluating, and improving manufacturing processes. The position applies expertise in product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials to optimize workflows and ensure product quality. Working closely with internal teams and equipment suppliers, this role drives efficiency improvements and supports continuous process innovation. As both a leader and technical resource for end-of-line operations, the role is accountable for advancing company objectives in Safety, Quality, Production, and On-Time Delivery.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
REPORTS TO: Manufacturing Engineer Supervisor
EXEMPTION STATUS: Full-Time, Salary-Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY: This role supports the Final Assembly and Packaging department by developing, evaluating, and improving manufacturing processes. The position applies expertise in product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials to optimize workflows and ensure product quality. Working closely with internal teams and equipment suppliers, this role drives efficiency improvements and supports continuous process innovation. As both a leader and technical resource for end-of-line operations, the role is accountable for advancing company objectives in Safety, Quality, Production, and On-Time Delivery.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to eliminate waste and improve efficiency
- Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean tools (5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, etc.)
- Collaborate with production teams, suppliers, and contractors to implement process improvements
- Support new product launches and manufacturing changes
- Improve tooling, fixtures, and work methods to meet quality and productivity goals
- Evaluate equipment and processes to enhance safety, ergonomics, and operator performance
- Optimize plant layout, material flow, and overall production efficiency
- Develop and maintain technical documentation for manufacturing processes
- Conduct testing and validation to ensure processes meet quality standards
- Bachelor degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in manufacturing working with areas such as powder coat, upholstery, metal fabrication, welding, automated welding, metal finishing, laser cutting, tube bending or production assembly.
- CAD experience - SolidWorks and AutoCAD preferred.
- Experience in Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
- Fabric cutting, sewing, gluing, or upholstery processes
- Project management or leadership of new process or product launches
- Understanding Design for Manufacturing
- Practiced in Lean manufacturing principles and techniques
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting ability
- Hands-on, mechanically inclined mindset
- Manufacturing/plant environment with varying conditions
- Combination of hands-on floor work and office-based tasks
- Ability to lift 35 lbs as needed
- Occasional travel possible but not typical