What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer position at International Fluid Power?
Description
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to serve as the primary technical engineering resource across our manufacturing operations in Plymouth, MN, with future support at our Hastings location. This is a highly visible, hands-on role where you will lead manufacturing improvement efforts, solve complex technical challenges, and drive initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.
This is more than a traditional manufacturing engineering position. As our organization continues to grow and invest in new capabilities, this role will play a key part in shaping the future of our operations. You'll have the opportunity to influence manufacturing strategy, introduce new technologies and processes, improve production performance, and help build scalable systems that support long-term growth.
Success in this role requires someone who enjoys being on the shop floor, partnering closely with operations teams, and turning ideas into practical solutions. You'll work across departments, lead impactful projects, and have the autonomy to identify opportunities and implement meaningful improvements.
If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, enjoy building and improving systems, and want to make a visible impact on a growing organization, we'd love to hear from you.
Requirements
What You Will Do
- Scope, design, build, and validate new manufacturing equipment, tooling, and process improvements.
- Develop and implement manufacturing processes, work instructions, test procedures, and APQP documentation for new and existing products.
- Create and maintain preventative maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, calibration procedures, and training materials.
- Support equipment maintenance and repair activities to maximize uptime, reliability, and production efficiency.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles to optimize workflow, productivity, equipment utilization, and facility layout.
- Analyze production, labor, and material data to support informed business decisions and future planning.
- Partner closely with production teams to provide day-to-day engineering support and technical problem-solving.
- Apply risk management practices to manufacturing operations in collaboration with the Quality Manager.
- Lead or support root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D and 5-Why.
- Drive corrective actions through implementation and closure to improve product quality and operational performance.
- Support disposition activities related to non-conforming product, including rework, vendor returns, sorting, and scrap reduction efforts.
- Own equipment validation, qualification, and measurement system analysis (MSA) activities for manufacturing processes.
- Collaborate with Sales and Customer Service teams to address manufacturing-related customer inquiries and technical questions.
- Support site quality initiatives in partnership with the Quality Manager.
- Ensure manufacturing processes, equipment, and documentation meet applicable quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
What We Are Looking For
We're looking for an engineer who combines strong technical expertise with a practical, collaborative approach. The ideal candidate enjoys being on the manufacturing floor, working alongside operations and finding creative ways to improve processes and performance.
- 5 years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in hydraulics, pneumatics, fluid power, or related industrial environments.
- Proven ability to design, build, validate, and improve manufacturing equipment and processes from concept through implementation.
- Experience working within ISO 9001 or similar Quality Management Systems.
- Strong understanding of structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D, 5-Why, FMEA, and APQP.
- Experience leading engineering projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
- Familiarity with electrical systems, industrial automation, and PLC controls.
- Exposure to machining, fabrication, grinding, CNC operations, or related manufacturing processes.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into practical solutions for diverse audiences.
- A collaborative and approachable style that builds strong working relationships across engineering, operations, quality, and leadership teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading lean manufacturing, kaizen, or value stream mapping initiatives.
- Familiarity with measurement system analysis (MSA) and equipment qualification/validation activities.
- Experience developing preventative maintenance programs and reliability-focused manufacturing practices.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
- Experience serving as a technical leader, mentor, or subject matter expert within a manufacturing environment.