What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer position at Drive?
Position Summary
Our Tier 1 automotive manufacturing facility in Pulaski, Tennessee is seeking a motivated and results-driven Manufacturing Engineer to join our engineering team. This role is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, supporting new product launches, optimizing production efficiency, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume plastic injection molding environment.
The ideal candidate will have experience in automotive manufacturing, strong technical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
- Support plastic injection molding operations by analyzing and improving process flow, equipment performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Support new product launches, engineering changes, and production transfers.
- Develop and maintain manufacturing work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), process documentation, and visual work aids.
- Analyze production data and recommend improvements to enhance throughput and reduce manufacturing costs.
- Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, and Process Engineering teams to resolve manufacturing issues.
- Participate in APQP activities, PFMEA development, Control Plans, and PPAP submissions.
- Support equipment installation, process validation, and production readiness activities.
- Conduct root cause analysis using 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D, and other structured problem-solving tools.
- Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 requirements, customer specifications, and company quality standards.
- Promote Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, standardized work, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Minimum of 2–5 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
- Experience supporting plastic injection molding operations.
- Experience working for a Tier 1 automotive supplier preferred.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis methodologies.
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Working knowledge of Automotive Core Tools:
- APQP
- PPAP
- PFMEA
- Control Plans
- SPC
- MSA
- Familiarity with IATF 16949 quality standards.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP manufacturing systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting robotic automation and automated manufacturing cells.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
- Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
- Knowledge of scientific molding principles.
- Experience with capital equipment projects and facility layouts.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary of $70,000–$85,000 based on experience
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Salary : $70,000 - $85,000