Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer develops, maintains, and continuously improves manufacturing and assembly processes within a high-mix, low-volume specialty vehicle manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for advancing manufacturing operations by developing, evaluating, and implementing safer, more repeatable, more reliable, and more cost-effective fabrication, assembly, and finishing processes, equipment, and tooling.

The Manufacturing Engineer partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production to improve safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery while supporting new product introductions and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop, design, specify, validate, and maintain production equipment, tooling, gauges, jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Analyze manufacturing workflows, plant layouts, material flow, and equipment utilization to improve operational performance.
• Lead manufacturing engineering projects from concept through implementation, ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Design and optimize manufacturing processes by evaluating labor requirements, workspace utilization, product flow, and equipment layout.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering to improve manufacturability (DFM) and assembly efficiency (DFA) throughout the product development process.
• Review engineering drawings, models, and specifications to recommend process improvements and manufacturing solutions.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by developing production processes and validating manufacturing readiness.
• Promote a safe working environment by identifying opportunities to improve equipment, ergonomics, and manufacturing practices.
• Work closely with Maintenance and external vendors to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and support capital improvement projects.
• Provide hands-on manufacturing support by troubleshooting production issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on improving safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Perform root cause analysis for quality issues and support corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Train production personnel on new equipment, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
• Monitor project progress, manufacturing metrics, and operational performance while communicating updates to leadership.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Five (5) years of manufacturing engineering experience in a high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting specialty vehicles, commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, industrial machinery, or other fabricated products preferred.
• Experience designing production tooling, fixtures, gauges, and assembly equipment.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication, machining, welding (steel and aluminum), finishing, and assembly processes.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), DFMEA/PFMEA, and process validation.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience preferred.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, fabrication, welding, assembly, and finishing operations.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to train and influence production teams while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment.
• Frequent interaction with production personnel and manufacturing equipment.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Periodic work outside of normal business hours may be required to support production.
• Must be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Travel

• Occasional travel (up to 25%) to support suppliers, customers, or other manufacturing facilities.

Why Join Us

• Join an organization that designs and manufactures highly engineered specialty vehicles used in demanding commercial and industrial applications. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on manufacturing performance by improving processes, implementing new technologies, supporting innovative products, and driving operational excellence across the business.