Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer – Fabrication & Finishing is responsible for the design, setup, optimization, and ongoing support of fabrication and finishing processes within the manufacturing facility. This role focuses on non-welding production equipment, including but not limited to tube forming and branching systems (T-Drills), tube cutting lasers, part cleaning and washing systems, and passivation or surface treatment processes. The position plays a critical role in facility startup, equipment commissioning, and continuous improvement to ensure safe, repeatable, and efficient production operations.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment and be passionate about making their mark on a new facility in a growing division. Learn more at www.steelobrien.com.

Primary Job Duties:

Fabrication s Finishing Equipment Ownership

• Lead the layout, setup, and commissioning of fabrication and finishing equipment,

including T-Drills, tube cutting lasers, deburring systems, parts washers, and passivation systems.

• Support selection, procurement, installation, and validation of production equipment.
• Coordinate with Facilities, Engineering, and EHS teams to ensure proper utilities, ventilation, drainage, chemical handling, and safety systems.

Manufacturing Engineering s Process Development

• Develop, document, and optimize fabrication and finishing processes to support production requirements.
• Create and maintain work instructions, standard work, and process documentation for assigned equipment and processes.
• Establish process parameters, quality controls, and inspection points to ensure repeatability and product quality.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) by developing production-ready fabrication and finishing processes.

Laser s Automated Equipment Support

• Support setup, programming coordination, and optimization of tube cutting laser systems.
• Collaborate with automation vendors and integrators during equipment commissioning and upgrades.
• Optimize material flow, fixturing, and part handling to support automated equipment performance.

Cleaning, Passivation s Surface Treatment

• Own part cleaning, washing, and passivation processes to ensure compliance with quality and customer requirements.
• Develop process controls for chemical concentration, temperature, cycle time, and rinse effectiveness.
• Partner with Quality and EHS teams to ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and wastewater.

Production Support s Troubleshooting

• Provide hands-on support to production for fabrication and finishing-related issues.
• Troubleshoot equipment performance, process variability, and quality issues.
• Collaborate with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and uptime.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze performance data including cycle time, yield, scrap, rework, and equipment uptime.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and throughput.
• Support Lean initiatives such as 5S, SMED, standard work, and mistake-proofing (poka- yoke).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Quality, Industrial Engineering, Automation, Maintenance, and Operations teams.
• Support layout changes, equipment relocations, and facility expansions related to fabrication and finishing processes.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–7 years of experience in fabrication, machining, or finishing operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication equipment such as tube lasers, forming systems, or industrial washers.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and process documentation.
• Strong problem-solving and process optimization skills.

Preferred

• Experience with passivation, chemical cleaning, or surface treatment processes.
• Experience supporting greenfield facility startups or major equipment installations.
• Familiarity with laser cutting technology and automation.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.

Key Competencies

• Strong manufacturing process ownership
• Equipment commissioning and startup execution
• Data-driven problem solving
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Safety and compliance awareness
• Clear technical documentation and communication

Performance Metrics

• Successful commissioning and ramp-up of fabrication and finishing equipment
• Process stability and repeatability
• Reduction in scrap, rework, and downtime
• Throughput and cycle time improvements
• On-time support of production and NPI timelines

Culture:

• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment, ensuring clear and respectful communication across all levels of the organization
• Actively drive change by encouraging and implementing cross-functional improvements that enhance operational efficiency and product quality
• Respectfully listen to concerns and ideas brought to your attention
• Respect confidentiality
• Embody our values of Integrity, Trust, Creativity and Courage, Teamwork, and Excellence

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Requires standing, walking, and lifting for extended periods.
• May involve exposure to noise and varying temperatures.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.

Attendance Requirements: Attendance on a regular, consistent basis is mandatory.

Accommodations: Essential functions of this position may include but are not limited to lifting, reaching, bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, crouching, carrying objects, ascending/descending stairs and commuting to work location. If you are an individual with a disability and need a

reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or other state or federal law, you may request the accommodations.

Salary Range: $85K - $105K