What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer position at Harken Inc.?
TITLE: Manufacturing Engineer
BASED AT: Harken, Inc., Pewaukee, WI
STATUS: Full Time, 1st shift, Exempt
Join the Harken Team: Innovating for Over 50 Years
Harken, Inc. is a global leader in innovative solutions for the marine and safety industries. Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, with manufacturing facilities in the USA and Italy, we take pride in our world-class engineering, craftsmanship, and dedication to excellence.
Our global footprint spans 48 countries, supported by group offices in exciting locations like Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, the UK, and across the United States—from Rhode Island to Washington.
For over half a century, Harken's Marine Division has set the industry standard for pulley blocks, deck hardware, winches, and hydraulics, serving sailboats ranging from 8 to over 300 feet. Building on this strong foundation, Harken is charting new courses with our Safety and Rescue Division, unlocking opportunities for innovation and growth.
The Opportunity:
Harken is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, documenting and continuously improving manufacturing processes to ensure the efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of Harken’s high-quality sailing hardware and safety equipment. This role works closely with product design engineering, machining, molding, and assembly teams to improve manufacturability, process consistency, quality, and productivity. Responsibilities include developing process routings, designing tooling and fixtures, establishing manufacturing methods, and troubleshooting production challenges. The Manufacturing Engineer supports new product development, existing production operations, and continuous improvement initiatives while helping ensure manufacturing processes meet quality standards and production requirements.
What You’ll be Doing:
You’ll be a key member of our Manufacturing Engineering team, turning engineering ideas into practical solutions that bring Harken’s high-quality sailing hardware and safety equipment to life. In this hands-on role, you’ll combine creative problem-solving with technical expertise to design tooling and fixtures, improve machining, molding, and assembly processes, and explore opportunities for automation. Working closely with product designers and production teams, you’ll help take new products from design to the manufacturing floor while finding better ways to build the products we make today. From solving production challenges to making work safer and more efficient, you’ll see the impact of your ideas in the processes you improve and the products you help create. More specifically, you will:
- Design machining fixtures and work holding solutions for CNC and manual
- machining operations.
- Design safe, effective, and ergonomic fixtures for assembly and sub-assembly processes.
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for automation, equipment upgrades, and improved manufacturing methods.
- Develop manufacturing processes and create clear, visual work instructions for production operators and assemblers.
- Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to resolve issues.
- Other duties and projects; as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 5 years’ experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a related manufacturing role.
Even Better if you Have:
- Experience with CNC machining, injection molding, mechanical assembly, or other precision manufacturing processes.
- Experience with CNC and/or assembly automation.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks for designing and modifying tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing components.
Key Skills for Success:
- Proficiency in SolidWorks for designing and modifying tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing components.
- Knowledge of ERP systems and their application in manufacturing operations.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with internal customers and external vendors.
- Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information clearly and develop effective work instructions.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Knowledge of continuous improvement principles, including lean manufacturing, 5S, waste reduction, and process standardization.
Why you will love working at Harken:
What truly sets Harken apart is our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the unique culture of ownership it fosters. Every team member is empowered to think and act like an owner, driving a workplace culture built on drive, humility, ingenuity, integrity, and ownership. At Harken, you’re not just an employee, you’re a valued stakeholder in our future.
At Harken, our work is guided by five core values:
- Drive – Taking initiative, setting ambitious goals, and pursuing excellence
- Humility – Welcoming feedback, learning from others, and prioritizing team success
- Ingenuity – Solving complex problems with practical, elegant solutions
- Integrity – Delivering honest work and upholding the highest standards
- Ownership – Taking pride in our products, our people, and our future
Grow your career with us while enjoying world class benefits and perks such as:
- Multiple ways to save for retirement, including both an ESOP account and 401(k) with a company match.
- Harken is a growing, global organization
- Modern, clean, and organized manufacturing environment
- Strong culture of craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Internal growth opportunities and ongoing developmental training
- Flexible work schedules, paid holidays and company paid vacation time
- Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending and health savings account options
- Company paid life insurance, short and long term disability
- On-site workout facility, outdoor walking path and annual employee events, including Sail Day!
How to apply:
Submit your resume via email to: jobs@harken.com
Harken is an equal opportunity employer.