Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Buffalo, NY

Department: Engineering / Operations

Reports To: Director, New Product Introduction

Position Overview

We are seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer to design, stabilize, and continuously improve manufacturing processes in a high-mix, fabrication-driven environment. This role plays a critical part in driving operational excellence, built-in quality, and waste elimination.

This engineer will work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure processes are capable, repeatable, safe, and scalable—from concept through full production.

Key ResponsibilitiesProcess Design & Standardization

• Design, develop, and validate robust manufacturing processes aligned with product requirements, safety, and quality expectations.
• Establish and maintain standard work, process documentation, and visual controls to ensure repeatable execution.
• Lead process development efforts by collaborating with equipment suppliers, integrators, and internal stakeholders.
  
  

Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)

• Identify and eliminate waste using Lean Manufacturing principles (flow, pull, takt, standard work).
• Lead and participate in kaizen events, root cause problem solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply structured problem-solving methods (e.g., PDCA, A3 thinking, 5 Whys) to address process instability and defects.
  
  

Manufacturing Efficiency & Layout Optimization

• Analyze and improve workflow, material flow, space utilization, and equipment layout to support safety, efficiency, and scalability.
• Support line balancing, capacity planning, and throughput optimization.
  
  

Quality at the Source

• Design and implement process controls, error-proofing (poka-yoke), and inspection methods to ensure quality is built into the process—not inspected in later.
• Partner with Quality to reduce defects, variation, and rework through process capability improvements.
  
  

Cost & Decision Support

• Provide data-driven manufacturing decisions by analyzing labor, material, equipment, and overhead costs.
• Support make/buy decisions, capital justification, and process trade-off analysis.
  
  

Equipment & Process Support

• Support equipment commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability, uptime, and preventative maintenance alignment.
• Serve as a technical resource for manufacturing teams, addressing process questions and improvement opportunities.
  
  

Data, Documentation & Knowledge Development

• Maintain accurate process documentation, databases, and reports related to manufacturing performance.
• Develop and deliver training for technicians and operators to ensure process understanding and ownership.
• Stay current on manufacturing technologies, methods, and best practices through continued learning.
  
  

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5 years of experience as a Manufacturing Engineer in a production environment.
• Experience supporting fabrication, assembly, or industrial manufacturing operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured, methodical approach.
• Experience using engineering and manufacturing software tools.
• Ability to work independently while effectively leading cross-functional efforts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
  

Preferred

• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, TPS, or continuous improvement systems.
• Experience with process mapping, value stream analysis, or standard work development.
• Familiarity with quality tools (SPC, PFMEA, control plans).
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) or process scale-up.
  
  

What Success Looks Like in This Role

• Manufacturing processes are stable, repeatable, and documented.
• Quality issues are prevented upstream through strong process design.
• Waste is systematically identified and removed.
• Operators and technicians are empowered through clear standards and training.
• Decisions are driven by data, not assumptions.
• Continuous improvement becomes part of daily work