What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advanced Manufacturing Engineer position at Ricardo?
Job Summary
We are seeking a Junior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will support production assembly operations by developing, optimizing, and maintaining efficient manufacturing processes to ensure optimal productivity. This role is hands-on and directly involved on the shop floor, driving continuous improvement, equipment development, and automation initiatives to enhance safety, quality, and productivity.
Responsibilities
- Design, document, and improve assembly processes to ensure consistent quality, safety, and efficiency.
- Develop and implement standardized work instructions, workstations, and visual aids for operators.
- Conduct time studies, line balancing, and ergonomic evaluations to improve workflow and reduce downtime.
- Support the design, procurement, and installation of production equipment, jigs, and fixtures.
- Conduct machine trials, capability studies, and runoffs to ensure production readiness.
- Assist in the transition of manual operations to automated or semi-automated systems, integrating in-line inspection when possible.
- Lead hands-on problem-solving efforts to eliminate scrap, rework, and safety risks.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools (5S, root cause analysis, DMAIC) to drive cost reduction and productivity gains.
- Collaborate closely with operators and supervisors to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions.
- Prepare and maintain PFMEAs, process flow diagrams, and control plans to ensure process stability.
- Support prototype builds and validate process parameters through data collection and on-site testing.
- Participate in internal and external audits to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.
- Partner with production, maintenance, and quality teams to troubleshoot real-time process issues.
- Work with suppliers and customers on technical requirements, process reviews, and equipment validation.
Skills
- Hands-On Process Improvement – Comfortable working directly on the production floor to identify and resolve process inefficiencies.
- Mechanical Aptitude – Strong understanding of mechanical systems, tooling, and assembly equipment.
- Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis – Skilled in diagnosing mechanical, process, and quality issues in real time.
- Standardized Work Development – Experienced in creating clear, practical work instructions and visual aids for operators.
- Fixture & Tooling Optimization – Ability to design, test, and refine assembly fixtures and tooling to improve safety and efficiency.
- Automation & Equipment Integration – Support installation, testing, and validation of new automated or semi-automated processes.
- Lean Manufacturing Application – Proficient in 5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, and waste elimination methods.
- Data-Driven Problem Solving – Use process metrics and simple analysis tools to make informed improvement decisions.
- Team Collaboration – Work closely with operators, maintenance, and engineering to achieve production goals.
- Safety & Quality Focus – Dedicated to building reliable, ergonomic, and compliant processes that protect people and products.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- 4 years of hands-on experience in a production or assembly manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with CAD tools, measurement instruments, and MS Office applications.
- Strong mechanical and process understanding with a practical, floor-focused approach to problem solving.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $80, $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Will you require sponsorship for an employment visa in the future?
Ability to Commute:
- Van Buren, MI Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $90,000