Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Manufacturing Engineer

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Kammetal President

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting all aspects of the manufacturing process from initial customer inquiry through production completion. This position develops accurate quotations, creates and maintains engineering documentation, establishes manufacturing methods, and provides technical support to ensure products are manufactured efficiently, safely, on time, and to customer specifications.

The Manufacturing Engineer works closely with Sales, Production, Purchasing, Quality, and customers to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and improve product quality while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Quoting and Cost Estimating

• Review customer drawings, specifications, and requests for quotation (RFQs).
• Develop accurate manufacturing cost estimates based on labor, materials, purchased components, and subcontracted services.
• Source raw materials from approved suppliers.
• Estimate manufacturing labor and machine cycle times.
• Obtain pricing for purchased components, hardware, and assemblies.
• Obtain quotations for outsourced processes including machining, powder coating, painting, plating, heat treating, and other subcontracted operations.
• Prepare and submit quotations within required lead times.
• Assist Sales with technical questions during the quoting process.

Engineering Documentation

• Create, modify, and maintain 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings.
• Develop flat patterns, DXF files, and production-ready CAD data.
• Ensure drawings comply with company drafting standards and customer requirements.
• Maintain engineering revision control and document history.
• Create complete engineering documentation packages for production.

Manufacturing Process Development

• Develop manufacturing routings for fabricated parts and assemblies.
• Determine the most efficient manufacturing sequence.
• Create work instructions and manufacturing procedures.
• Develop production fixtures, welding fixtures, inspection fixtures, templates, and tooling.
• Evaluate manufacturability of customer designs and recommend improvements.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.

ERP and Production Planning

• Create and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Create Sales Orders from approved customer quotations.
• Enter and maintain routing information within the ERP system.
• Release manufacturing jobs to the production floor.
• Verify all manufacturing documentation is complete before production release.
• Coordinate with Purchasing regarding material and component availability.

Production Support

• Provide technical support to manufacturing personnel throughout production.
• Resolve drawing discrepancies and engineering-related production issues.
• Support Quality with nonconformance investigations and corrective actions.
• Process engineering changes and update documentation as required.
• Monitor production performance and implement continuous improvements.

Customer Support

• Serve as the primary engineering contact for assigned customers.
• Respond to customer engineering questions and requests.
• Clarify drawing requirements and manufacturing specifications.
• Communicate engineering changes, project status, and technical recommendations.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through timely communication and technical support.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Reduce manufacturing costs through improved processes and material utilization.
• Standardize manufacturing methods and documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and sheet metal fabrication experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience preferred.
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication, welding, and assembly operations.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes including laser cutting, punching, forming, welding, machining, finishing, and assembly.

Required Skills

• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost estimating.
• Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication equipment and processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality management systems.
• Experience designing manufacturing fixtures and tooling.
• Welding and machining process knowledge.
• Experience with Trumpf equipment and programming software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while supporting production.
• Ability to safely work around manufacturing equipment while following company safety policies.
• Occasional travel to customers or supplier facilities may be required.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role is measured by the ability to:

• Produce accurate and competitive quotations.
• Release production jobs with complete and error-free documentation.
• Meet engineering and quoting deadlines.
• Minimize production delays caused by engineering issues.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce production costs.
• Maintain effective communication with customers and internal teams.
• Support on-time delivery and high-quality production.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence.

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Attention to Detail
• Technical Expertise
• Collaboration
• Initiative
• Accountability
• Problem Solving
• Continuous Improvement
• Adaptability
• Integrity

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as business needs require.