What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer position at Harper Engineering Company?
Description
Who We Are Looking For: Harper Engineering Co. is seeking a meticulous and results-driven Manufacturing Engineer with strong collaborative skills, a commitment to continuous improvement, a passion for optimizing manufacturing processes, and a proven ability to drive efficiency in a dynamic manufacturing environment to join our team.
Who We Are:
Harper Engineering Co. is a distinguished, 58-year-old company renowned for our exceptional designs and manufacturing of top-of-the-line interior hardware for commercial aircraft, located in Renton, Washington, with a second location in Kent, Washington. At our company, we have fostered a thriving culture of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. With our commitment to vertical integration, we ensure that every aspect of our products is of the highest quality. These commitments set us apart in the industry.
Why You Should Come Work with Us:
At Harper Engineering Co., we understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and the power of a collaborative team environment. We go the extra mile to ensure our team members thrive by offering a highly competitive pay structure, comprehensive benefits package, and generous paid time off. And yes, we even include the week between Christmas and New Year's off, allowing you to recharge and start the year fresh.
Job Summary:
The Manufacturing Engineer (ME) is responsible for ensuring technical excellence in manufacturing processes, tooling and fixture design, work instructions, process specifications, and facility layout. This role collaborates closely with operations, quality, and production teams to drive process improvements, maintain documentation accuracy, and implement automation initiatives. The ME is also accountable for timely document delivery, compliance with company standards, and supporting continuous enhancement of manufacturing efficiency.
Essential Job Duties:
- Tooling and Fixture Design: Develop, maintain, and improve tooling, fixtures, jigs, and shop aids to support safe, reliable, and efficient fabrication and assembly.
- Drafting: Create and revise technical drawings in adherence to checklist standards for quality.
- Work Instructions: Author and edit text-based and illustrated work instructions, ensuring accuracy and usability for production staff.
- Work Instruction Formatting: Manage the format and medium (e.g., PDF, video) of work instructions to align with operational and quality standards.
- Process and Material Specifications: Create, maintain and update process and material specifications, including best practices, minimum workmanship standards, and material substitution guidelines.
- Factory and Facility Layout: Maintain up-to-date factory layouts, including operation stations, inventory, and machinery, to support production planning.
Secondary Duties:
- On-Time Delivery: Ensure documentation and assignments meet required deadlines to support project milestones and schedules. Communicate any necessary schedule adjustments promptly.
- Ops Collaboration / Equipment: Work with team members to assess and evaluate machines, equipment, and tooling needs. Assist in developing ROI documentation and business case tools.
- Standards Alignment: Adhere to company policies, particularly related to design and drafting standards.
- Training Compliance: Monitor and complete assigned training in the Learning Management System (LMS) as required.
Requirements
Minimum
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or related scientific field, or equivalent combination of experience and coursework.
- A Bachelor of Science degree in Business or Operations Management with relevant technical experience may be considered.
- Training and experience utilizing SolidWorks (or comparable Computer Aided Design program) with demonstrable proficiency.
- Experience with automation and lean manufacturing principles.
- Must possess extensive knowledge of personal computer systems with Microsoft Office.
- Must be able to demonstrate strong presentation skills visually with data and analysis.
- Must possess good oral and written communication skills, along with good organizational skills, and be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
- Basic knowledge of FAA regulations, certification processes and related requirements.
- Basic knowledge of standard aircraft components, materials, fabrication practices, aviation hardware and proper application in design.
- US Citizen or Green Card Holder
Physical Requirements:
1. Must possess ability to work in company and supplier production facilities.
2. Must also be able to lift and carry 25 lbs.
3. Must be able to sit and work effectively at a computer for extended periods of time.
Salary : $75,000 - $100,000