What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer position at Ashley Job Opportunities?
Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture
Manufacturing Engineer
Travel Required: 30%
*This position is 100% onsite, with the flexibility to sit in either Arcadia, WI or one of our Mississippi locations*
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes and facility layouts to enhance production efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This role will manage key engineering projects from concept to completion, including equipment specification, procurement, and installation. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on problem-solver with a strong foundation in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
Process Design & Improvement:
- Design and improve manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts for assembly, fabrication, and material handling.
- Analyze production workflows, identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and implement robust solutions to improve throughput and reduce waste.
- Develop and maintain standard work instructions, process flow diagrams, and manufacturing documentation.
Equipment & Facility Projects:
- Develop detailed specifications for new manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
- Manage the procurement process, including vendor selection, quoting, and capital justification (ROI analysis) as well as RFP and RFQ's.
- Oversee the installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment, ensuring it meets all performance and safety requirements.
- Lead plant layout projects, using CAD software to design efficient and ergonomic work cells and facility flows.
Project Management:
- Manage cross-functional engineering projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
- Coordinate with internal teams (operations, maintenance, quality) and external vendors to ensure successful project execution.
- Develop project timelines, track milestones, and provide regular status updates to leadership.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing:
- Implement and champion lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) across the facility.
- Lead and participate in continuous improvement events and initiatives to drive a culture of operational excellence.
- Use data analysis and root cause analysis tools to solve complex manufacturing problems.
Qualifications and Experience:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
- 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing engineering role within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience with plant layouts, process design, and equipment installation projects.
- Demonstrated experience with project management, including managing timelines and budgets.
- Strong understanding and practical application of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
- Proficiency with 2D/3D CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
Preferred:
- Experience in an industrial environment, such as manufacturing.
- Experience with automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing technology.
Who We Are
At Ashley, we’re more than a business…we’re family. As the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world, we know what it takes to build incredible furniture and future leaders. We’re problem solvers with the grit to persevere during challenging times and innovators who won't coast when times are good. We create solutions, not excuses. And never settle for status quo. It’s the reason we’re always searching for better ways to delivering an exceptional customer experience. That's why Ashley Furniture is #1 in our industry.
Ready to grow? You’ve come to the right place. Ashley Furniture has a “Growth Mindset”, and once you join our team, you’ll learn from the best in the business.
Apply today and find your home at Ashley!
Benefits We Offer
- Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off
- Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical Tourism
- Telehealth
- 401(k) and Profit Sharing
- Life Insurance
Our Core Values
- Honesty & Integrity
- Passion, Drive, Discipline
- Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence
- Dirty Fingernail
- Growth Focused
To learn more about Ashley Furniture, our community engagement programs, environmental stewardship, and our core values, please visit our Corporate Social Responsibility information page:
Corporate Social Responsibility
We are an equal opportunity employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. Principals Only.
