What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing & Operations Engineer position at Ground Up Innovations, LLC?
Ground Up Innovations (GUI) is an engineering and manufacturing services company specialized in providing engineering design, prototyping, and low volume manufacturing services for hardware start-ups and large companies alike. We work in ClimateTech, robotics, consumer products, automation, test systems, and even tech that goes into space! We are seeking a detail oriented and motivated professional to support our growing company.
Reporting to the Founder and Principal Engineer, the Manufacturing & Operations Engineer is responsible for a variety of technical and operations related tasks. This is a full-time salaried position.
Position Summary
The Manufacturing & Operations Engineer is responsible for managing prototyping and low volume production jobs from customer inquiry through final delivery. This role combines technical estimating, procurement, production coordination, manufacturing support, and customer communication to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to Ground Up Innovations' quality standards.
Working closely with customers, engineers, machinists, welders, and vendors, this individual serves as the primary point of contact for assigned manufacturing jobs and keeps projects moving efficiently through every stage of execution.
Responsibilities
- Review customer drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
- Prepare estimates and quotations for machining, welding, and electro-mechanical assembly projects.
- Develop manufacturing plans and identify the most efficient production approach.
- Source and procure raw materials, hardware, and outside services.
- Coordinate internal manufacturing activities with machinists, welders, technicians and engineers.
- Track project schedules, budgets, and progress to ensure on-time delivery.
- Expedite materials, purchased components, and production activities to prevent delays.
- Communicate project status and technical details with customers throughout execution.
- Verify completed work meets customer requirements and company quality standards.
- Coordinate packaging, shipping, and delivery of completed projects.
- Occasionally deliver completed projects to customer facilities.
- Support shop operations by improving workflows, documentation, and production processes.
- Assist with inventory, purchasing, vendor management, and other operational initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and enhance manufacturing quality.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field (Relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of an engineering degree)
- 3 years of industry experience in manufacturing, fabrication, machining, project engineering, or operations.
- Ability to interpret mechanical drawings and 3D CAD models to assess for manufacturability. (SolidWorks)
- Familiarity with machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and mechanical assembly processes.
- Experience creating manufacturing estimates or job costing preferred.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Comfortable working in both an office and shop environment.
Preferred Experience
- CNC machining processes
- Welding and fabrication
- Vendor sourcing and procurement
- Experience working in a small business or startup with a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Appetite to work hard, learn, have fun, and innovate every day
- Interest in and enthusiasm for how businesses are run and how to make improvements to a growing organization
What Success Looks Like
Successful candidates are highly organized, technically curious, and thrive in fast-paced environments where every day brings a new challenge. They take ownership of projects, proactively solve problems, communicate effectively with customers and teammates, and ensure work is completed on time without sacrificing quality.
Additional Information:
At GUI, a healthy, safe, secure, and environmentally conscious work environment must be always maintained; in compliance with corporate policies and federal and state regulations.
GUI welcomes people of all backgrounds and identities to apply. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and supportive workplace for ‘you to be you’ and do your very best work.