What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer III position at Forum Energy Technologies?
Position Summary
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing methods, processes, and systems that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. This position partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and HSE teams to support both custom and standard product lines. The role provides technical leadership in manufacturing process development, product support, fixture/tooling design, lean manufacturing initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts. The Manufacturing Engineer independently manages projects, drives process improvements, and supports operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing methods, processes, and systems that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. This position partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and HSE teams to support both custom and standard product lines. The role provides technical leadership in manufacturing process development, product support, fixture/tooling design, lean manufacturing initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts. The Manufacturing Engineer independently manages projects, drives process improvements, and supports operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze and improve manufacturing processes to eliminate safety hazards and reduce operational risk.
- Develop, implement, and sustain efficient manufacturing methods, work instructions, process documentation, and standardized work.
- Partner with Product Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and HSE to develop and execute manufacturing solutions.
- Provide Design for Manufacturing and Assembly input during product development and engineering change activities.
- Lead process improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Identify and implement error-proofing solutions to improve product quality and reduce process variation.
- Conduct root cause investigations and corrective action activities for quality, production, and customer-related issues.
- Design and develop special tooling, fixtures, gauges, and manufacturing aids to improve safety, productivity, and quality.
- Support Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), product launches, and manufacturing readiness activities.
- Communicate project status, risks, and business impacts to stakeholders and leadership.
- Drive cost reduction initiatives through process optimization, waste elimination, and improved manufacturing efficiency.
- Support compliance with applicable ASME, API, customer, and regulatory requirements.
- Provide manufacturing engineering support to operations, including structural, mechanical, and process-related issues.
- Develop capital expenditure justifications and support implementation of manufacturing equipment and facility improvements.
- Participate in production troubleshooting and provide timely resolution of technical issues affecting operations.
- Support quality management systems and continuous improvement initiatives focused on customer satisfaction and operational excellence
- Generate accurate cost estimatesand quotes from customer blueprints and RFQs.
- Analyze material requirementsand labor times to calculate optimal pricing.
- Interpret complex engineering drawingsto determine machining steps and setups.
- Source raw materialpricing and outside service costs for accurate budgeting.
- Collaborate with the sales teamto deliver competitive and timely customer quotes.
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on CNC programming experience.
- Proficient in writing and editing G-code and M-code.
- Expertise in GibbsCAM, MasterCAM, or similar CAM software.
- Proven ability to program 3-axis and 5-axis CNC mills and lathes.
- Capable of interpreting complex drawings and GD&T symbols.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing engineering principles, production processes, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and problem-solving tools.
- Knowledge of ASME, API, and other applicable industry standards and regulations.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Experience developing manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions.
- Strong analytical, project management, and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate across all levels of the organization.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing data analysis preferred.
- Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
- 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, product development, process engineering, or a related engineering role within a manufacturing environment.