Manufacturing Process Engineer

Manufacturing Process Engineer - Pacific, MO

Klauber Machine & Gear

Salaried Exempt, Full-Time, On-site

M-F 8-4:30

Job Purpose

The Manufacturing Process Engineer is responsible for the development, documentation, optimization, and support of manufacturing and assembly processes to drive improvements in safety, quality, efficiency, and overall cost performance.

This is a hands-on, shop floor–focused role that works closely with production and cross-functional teams. This position emphasizes the definition, analysis, and continuous improvement of process flows, as well as the identification and elimination of waste and variation across the value stream.

General Responsibilities:

• Analyze and improve manufacturing processes by converting tribal knowledge into standardized work to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance
• Develop, implement, and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, process flow diagrams (PFD), control plans, and standard work
• Lead process optimization initiatives in final assembly operations, focusing on throughput, efficiency, and stability
• Monitor manufacturing processes to identify, document, and eliminate waste using Lean principles (8 wastes)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve production issues and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Partner with production to troubleshoot process issues and drive effective root cause resolution
• Support the design, validation, and improvement of tooling, fixtures, and processes to enhance safety, quality, and repeatability
• Lead the introduction, validation, and implementation of new equipment and manufacturing processes
• Track, analyze, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs), including scrap, downtime, cycle time, and OEE
• Lead structured problem-solving activities using methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa), 8D, and DMAIC
• Drive and monitor corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to improve process performance and product quality
• Support and promote continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with Lean manufacturing principles
• May be required to travel
• Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures
• Participate in team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals
• Perform other duties as assigned
• NOTE: The proceeding examples are representative of the assignments and responsibilities performed by this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive
  
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

(To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.)

Education / Credentials Required:

• Associate degree (or currently enrolled) in Engineering or a related technical field
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Training in Lean Manufacturing
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Familiarity with core quality tools (PFD, PFMEA, Control Plans, SWI etc.)
  
  
  

Experience Required:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in final assembly
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of:
• Process Flow Diagrams (PFD)
• Process FMEA (PFMEA)
• Control Plans (CP)
• Standard Work Instructions (SWI)
• 6S / Lean systems
• 8 Wastes (8W), 8D, and 5 Whys
  

Special Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• High attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks effectively
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Customer-focused mindset
  
  
  

Physical Demands Required:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent standing, walking, and occasional sitting
• Use of hands and arms for reaching, handling, and lifting
• Frequent communication (talking and hearing)
• Occasional typing and computer use
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally
• Frequently exposed to production floor elements such as noise, dust, fumes, odors, and heat
• Cognitive requirements include the ability to learn quickly, manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously, demonstrate strong attention to detail, and be highly productive without need for much supervision
• Must be capable of remembering, imagining, logical, numerical, and verbal reasoning, perceiving, problem solving, and providing output that users can act upon
  
  
  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• As required in various production work areas including safety eyewear, gloves, safety shoes