Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for implementing and sustaining the Product Assurance, Supplier Quality, and Continuous Improvement Framework under the guidance of the Global Product Assurance & Quality Manager. This role works closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Logistics to support the consistent delivery of quality products while driving manufacturing scalability, operational excellence, and business growth across assigned product groups, business units, or geographic regions. The position serves as a key contributor to the organization's transition toward proactive quality assurance and continuous improvement.

While the primary focus of this position is manufacturing engineering and industrialization support, the role is intentionally structured to work closely with the Quality Engineer and develop cross-functional capability in quality systems, product assurance, and continuous improvement activities. This approach supports operational continuity, workforce flexibility, and organizational resilience through cross-training and collaborative problem-solving.

Responsibilities

Product Assurance, New Product Introduction, and Industrialization Excellence

· Support implementation of the company's Product Assurance and Industrialization Framework.

· Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) and product industrialization projects, supporting structured stage-gate reviews related to design maturity, manufacturing readiness, supply chain readiness, and quality risk.

· Define manufacturing readiness requirements and ensure products and processes are adequately evaluated prior to production release.

· Lead and facilitate Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), Design for Test (DFT), and Design for Supply Chain reviews.

· Develop, document, and maintain manufacturing processes, work instructions, process flows, and manufacturing standards.

· Identify product and process risks using tools such as PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Mapping, and risk-based assessments.

· Support product transfer activities between departments, manufacturing sites, and external manufacturing partners.

· Develop and implement solutions that improve productivity, throughput, efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance.

· Evaluate tooling, fixtures, equipment, and manufacturing methods to improve process capability and product quality.

· Support manufacturing process validation activities and ensure processes are adequately documented, controlled, and repeatable.

· Improve manufacturing robustness through reduction of process variation and elimination of recurring process-related issues.

Operational Excellence

· Work in conjunction with the Factory Manager and Quality Engineer to implement APQP, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies throughout the organization.

· Lead and support continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost reduction.

· Analyze manufacturing performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve process capability, efficiency, and product quality.

· Drive the reduction of scrap, rework, waste, downtime, and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).

· Coach cross-functional teams in process improvement and problem-solving methodologies.

· Utilize structured problem-solving techniques including Root Cause Analysis, 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D, and corrective action methodologies.

· Champion standardization and best-practice sharing across facilities and business units.

Supplier Product and Process Assurance

· Support implementation of supplier qualification and development processes based on product complexity and business risk.

· Lead supplier APQP and PPAP activities for designated products and suppliers.

· Assess supplier manufacturing capability, process controls, and industrialization readiness.

· Support supplier performance improvement initiatives and defect prevention efforts.

· Participate in supplier audits, technical assessments, and risk evaluations as required.

· Support strategic sourcing decisions through technical supplier evaluations and manufacturing risk analysis

Manufacturing Quality Support

The Manufacturing Engineer serves as a key partner to the Quality Engineer in driving quality performance throughout manufacturing operations.

• Assist production teams in establishing repeatable and capable manufacturing processes.
• Support implementation of statistical and process-based quality controls.
• Monitor manufacturing performance and identify opportunities to reduce defects, scrap, rework, and process variation.
• Ensure quality requirements are effectively incorporated into manufacturing processes and production activities.
• Participate in investigations of production and quality concerns and assist in implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
• Support the Quality Engineer in root cause investigations, corrective actions, and customer quality initiatives as assigned.
• Maintain working knowledge of quality systems, quality tools, and quality engineering processes to provide operational support during periods of increased business need or employee absence.

Customer Quality and Field Performance Support

The Quality Engineer retains primary responsibility for quality management system administration, customer quality management, compliance activities, audits, and corrective action system ownership. The Manufacturing Engineer provides support and backup coverage as needed.

• Support investigations related to customer complaints, returns, warranty claims, and field failures.
• Assist with containment activities, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Analyze quality trends and recommend systemic improvements.
• Support internal and external audits as requested.
• Ensure customer quality requirements are effectively translated into manufacturing processes and operational controls.
• Participate in cross-functional development activities to build proficiency across Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Engineering functions, supporting operational continuity and organizational capability development.

Education/Work Experience:

· Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, Quality, or a related technical field; equivalent industry experience may be considered.

· Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrialization, Quality Engineering, Continuous Improvement, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.

· Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Validation, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies required.

· Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.

· Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and Engineering Change processes preferred.

· Experience working with Supply Chain and supplier quality processes preferred.

· Experience supporting contract manufacturing partners preferred.

· Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor experience preferred.

Physical Demands:

While performing duties, the employee may be required to sit for periods of time at a computer or desk, work with their hands to assemble/disassemble product; stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel and crouch to ensure full functionality of products. The employee must frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Capabilities/Skills:

· Able to communicate effectively through written and verbal methods

· Computer skills should include extensive knowledge in Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, CRM software, and quality management systems and manufacturing controls

· Ability to be a leader focused on positive team growth across all departments who collaborate with the Manufacturing Engineering team, and be a positive support for customer interactions as deemed appropriate

· Ability to maintain and foster a safe, organized, work area across multiple workstations

· Possess a practical understanding of product development and manufacturing processes.

· Must possess the ability to effectively collaborate with various departments with a focus on positivity and quality development

· Able to adapt to a fast-paced environment

· Attention to detail and ability to correct as needed

· Ability to analyze information in a real time environment while seeking resolution, solving problems, and proactively assessing critical needs

· Ability to prioritize workflow to effectively meet deadlines

· Able to lift heavy loads up to 50 pounds on occasion

· Ability to learn, and stay up to date, with best practices in manufacturing and electronics

· Ability to learn product line

· Ability to cross train and fill in across related roles or departments as deemed appropriate by leadership

· Ability to report to work on time and consistently

Disclaimer:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and scope of work performed by employees within this role. This description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for this role. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background screening, drug testing, and verification of identity and employment eligibility. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship and must satisfy all E-Verify requirements.

Pay: From $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• If selected, are you willing and able to participate in both a drug screening and background check process?
• How many years experience do you have in Manufacturing Engineering?
• How many years have you worked in quality in an electronics manufacturing setting as a manufacturing engineer?
• This role does not offer relocation assistance. If offered this role are you willing and able to relocate within a commutable distance to Tazewell, VA at your own cost?

Location:

• North Tazewell, VA 24630 (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• North Tazewell, VA 24630 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• North Tazewell, VA 24630: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $58,000