Manufacturing Engineer

Company Overview

Schaner Designs LLC is a small machine design and industrial automation company based in Omaha, NE. We specialize in custom automation systems and are actively transitioning toward modular, reusable platform designs. Our work spans concept through build, test, and deployment. We are planning to relocate the business to Montana within approximately two years.

Position Summary

We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. This is an engineering role at a small company where the engineer is expected to be hands-on. You will design systems in SolidWorks, then walk into the shop and build them. The work spans mechanical assembly, electrical panel building, machining, CAD, and process documentation. You will work directly with the owner on custom machine design and automation projects from concept through build, test, and deployment.

This position starts in Omaha, NE and will relocate to MT within approximately two years as the company transitions. Relocation assistance will be provided at the time of transition. Candidates must be willing and able to make this move.

Core Responsibilities

Design & Build

• Assemble mechanical sub-assemblies and complete systems from engineering drawings and 3D models

• Machine parts on manual mill and lathe; write or modify G-code for CNC work as needed

• Build and wire electrical panels and control enclosures from schematics

• Route and connect pneumatic and hydraulic systems per design specifications

• Conduct functional testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of assembled systems

• Support packaging, shipping preparation, and field installation when required

Engineering & Documentation

• Create and update part models, assemblies, and drawings in SolidWorks

• Read and interpret engineering drawings including GD&T and BOMs

• Maintain and update bills of materials, assembly instructions, and work procedures

• Identify and communicate design-for-manufacturing feedback during builds

• Design fixtures, tooling, and jigs for assembly and manufacturing processes

• Contribute to design reviews and provide design-for-manufacturing input on new and existing products

Process & Documentation

• Write and improve work instructions, SOPs, and assembly procedures

• Track and document build issues, non-conformances, and rework

• Maintain parts inventory, kitting, and shop organization

• Support continuous improvement efforts in shop workflow and process efficiency

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field

• Proficiency in SolidWorks (modeling, assemblies, and drawings)

• Demonstrated experience with mechanical assembly and fabrication in a shop or production environment

• Experience with electrical wiring, panel building, or controls integration

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and GD&T

• Comfortable working independently in a small-team environment with minimal supervision

• Willingness to relocate to Montana within approximately two years

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience with PLC programming or controls systems (any platform)

• Background in custom machine design, job shop, or low-volume manufacturing

• Familiarity with pneumatic and hydraulic system design and troubleshooting

• Experience with ERP or inventory management systems

• FE exam passed or EIT certification

• Prior internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing or machine-building environment

What We Offer

• Varied, interesting work across custom machine design and modular automation systems

• Work directly with the company owner on engineering projects with real ownership and responsibility from day one

• A planned relocation to Montana with relocation assistance provided

• Competitive salary ($58,000 - $68,000 depending on experience)

• The opportunity to help shape and build a growing company from the ground up

A Note on Relocation

Schaner Designs is relocating from Omaha, NE to Montana within approximately two years. This is a planned move, not a contingency. We are looking for someone who sees this as a positive part of the opportunity. We will provide relocation assistance and reasonable flexibility on timing to make the transition smooth.

If you have ties to Montana, grew up there, went to school there, or have been looking for a reason to move, we want to hear from you.

How to Apply

Send your resume and a brief note about your background and interest in the role to dan@schanerdesigns.com. We don't need a formal cover letter. A few sentences about what draws you to this type of work and your thoughts on the Montana relocation are more useful.