MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Engineer works with the General Manager to design shop layouts, evaluate process flow, recommend process improvements, collaborate on Cap-Ex projects, and leads the Detailing and Programming Department at LaX Industries’ Spring Grove. The leadership of the Detailing Department will ensure accountability for turning customer requirements and engineering specifications into production-ready 3D models, shop drawings, CNC programs, and executable project plans. This role oversees department workflow and project execution so structural steel and miscellaneous fabricated products are detailed, programmed, and released accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. The Manufacturing Engineer partners with Project Management, Estimating, Quality, and Production to resolve fabrication conflicts, protect material yield, and keep shop work aligned with ISO 9001 and AISC quality program requirements. Success is measured by drawing and program accuracy, on-time project execution, team capability, and continuous improvement of fabrication throughput.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Area of Responsibility

• Work with General Manager to design fixtures, paint line trolley system, and other work area improvements.
• Work collaboratively to establish process flow, shop layouts, and standard work documents.
• Lead the development, review, and release of complex 3D models, part and assembly drawings, shop fabrication drawings, bills of material, nesting layouts, and CNC programs for plasma cutting, drilling, punching, sawing, and forming in full compliance with customer specifications, AISC standards, and company drafting protocols.
• Oversee execution of assigned fabrication projects from engineering handoff through shop release, coordinating design changes, RFIs, material readiness, and production priorities so bid hours, quality standards, and delivery commitments are met.
• Apply advanced CAD, 3D CAD, SolidWorks, and Tekla Structures (and Tekla PowerFab where used) to optimize models and machine paths, improve material utilization, and keep engineering deliverables aligned with shop capability and schedule.

People Leadership & Accountability

• Supervise, coach, and develop Detailing and Programming staff, including Structural Detailer & Programmer 1 and Structural Programmer 2; assign work, set priorities, conduct technical checks, and provide timely performance feedback.
• Own department standards, training plans, and peer-review practices so junior detailers and programmers build proficiency, work independently on assigned packages, and escalate only true exceptions.
• Foster a Team First culture through clear communication, respectful collaboration with Production and Project Management, and accountability for both individual and department results.

Safety & Quality

• Model and enforce safe work practices in the office and during shop-floor program validation or troubleshooting; stop work that presents an imminent safety risk to employees or equipment.
• Ensure models, drawings, weld details, hardware specifications, and CNC programs support fabrication and welding to ISO 9001 standards and AISC quality program requirements, including complete dimensioning, tolerances, and inspection-ready documentation.
• Hold or reject nonconforming drawings, programs, or shop releases until discrepancies are corrected; escalate systemic quality issues to Operations and Quality leadership.

Workflow, Systems & Communication

• · Manage project setup, revision control, BOM accuracy, drawing organization, and handoffs across concurrent jobs; keep Project Management and Production informed of status, risks, and schedule impacts, and escalate conflicts that affect cost, quality, or delivery.
• · Use SolidWorks, DraftSight or equivalent 2D CAD, Tekla Structures, Tekla PowerFab, and related production systems as essential tools for 3D modeling, detailing, CNC programming, data exchange, and integration with shop execution.
• Continuous Improvement & Teamwork
• · Identify and implement process improvements in detailing, programming, nesting, and project-execution workflows to reduce lead time, errors, and scrap; standardize best practices and collaborate across Engineering and Production to raise shop performance.

DECISION AUTHORITY

• · May independently approve department drawing and CNC program releases after technical review; assign and re-prioritize detailing and programming work; hold nonconforming engineering packages; and select modeling, nesting, and programming methods that improve yield and throughput.
• · Must escalate customer specification conflicts, scope changes that affect cost or schedule, capital equipment or software purchases, overtime beyond approved plans, and formal employee discipline to the Operations Manager.
• · Authority includes quality holds on drawings and programs and safety stops during shop validation. This position does not independently approve unbudgeted overtime, issue formal discipline beyond coaching and documentation, authorize unbudgeted purchases, or commit commercial changes to the customer.

QUALIFICATIONS & CAPABILITIES

• · Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or Structural Engineering, or an AAS in CAD Design / Structural or Architectural Drafting with equivalent progressive experience; five or more years in structural detailing, CNC programming, and manufacturing engineering within a metal fabrication environment.
• · Required technical knowledge: demonstrated proficiency in CAD and 3D CAD, including SolidWorks and Tekla Structures; ability to develop and optimize CNC programs and nestings for steel fabrication equipment; working knowledge of welding, plasma cutting, drilling, punching, forming, material handling, and AISC / ISO 9001 quality requirements.
• · Required capabilities: proven ability to lead a technical team, manage concurrent projects, communicate clearly with shop and office stakeholders, and solve fabrication and workflow problems under changing priorities; customer-focused and results-oriented.
• · Required: legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for work sponsorship now or in the future. Valid driver’s license preferred for occasional jobsite or vendor travel.
• · Preferred: Tekla PowerFab; ERP/MRP and production-scheduling integration; AWS or CWI familiarity; prior mentoring of detailers and programmers; fixture or jig design experience; and Lean or other structured continuous-improvement training.

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an office environment at the Spring Grove, MN facility, with regular shop-floor exposure to validate programs, resolve fabrication issues, and support production. Shop areas involve noise, moving equipment, and welding or cutting operations; required PPE when on the floor includes safety glasses, steel-toe boots, hearing protection, and other designated PPE. The role requires frequent computer work, periodic standing and walking on the shop floor, and infrequent lifting of drawings, laptops, or sample parts typically under 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• · On-time release of accurate 3D models, shop drawings, BOMs, and CNC programs; reduction in shop RFIs, rework, and programming errors attributable to engineering packages; department schedule attainment versus bid hours and promised dates; and measurable improvement in material yield and machine utilization.
• · Documented coaching and capability growth of Detailing and Programming staff; audit-ready compliance with ISO 9001 and AISC quality program requirements; proactive resolution of fabrication conflicts before they reach the floor; and completed process improvements that shorten detailing or programming cycle time.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Exempt salaried position; pay commensurate with experience. LaX Industries offers a competitive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and applicable Minnesota leave programs; and professional development in CAD, Tekla, and fabrication methods. Final compensation and benefits are confirmed by Human Resources in accordance with applicable pay-transparency requirements.

Pay: From $62,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $62,500