Manufacturing Support Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Support Engineer

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Support Engineer plays a critical role in optimizing production processes, improving product quality, and ensuring operational efficiency across the manufacturing floor. This position partners cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and R&D to design scalable processes, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and support new product introductions. The role is highly data-driven, leveraging ERP systems and performance metrics to drive measurable business outcomes, while also supporting day-to-day manufacturing needs such as documentation, troubleshooting, and product configuration management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Process Architecture & Workflow Design

• Design and optimize assembly line layouts, workstation ergonomics, and material flow.
• Evaluate production processes to improve throughput and reduce cycle times.
• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions to standardize operations and ensure consistency across production.
• Support subassembly development to streamline production and improve efficiency.

2. Continuous Improvement & Tooling Engineering

• Develop and implement custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures to improve assembly efficiency and reduce human error.
• Lead and support initiatives such as torque specification standardization projects to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Apply error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) techniques to minimize defects and variability.
• Drive initiatives to reduce setup times and improve repeatability.

3. Data Analytics, BOM Management & Labor Standards

• Analyze ERP (NetSuite) labor data to establish and maintain accurate standard times for all work orders.
• Create, review, and implement Bill of Materials (BOM) changes to ensure product accuracy and manufacturability.
• Monitor labor performance and identify opportunities for productivity improvements.
• Support cost analysis and efficiency reporting.

4. Problem Solving, Troubleshooting & CAPA Implementation

• Troubleshoot assembly issues in real-time in collaboration with the production team to minimize downtime.
• Partner with Assembly Managers and the Quality team to identify root causes of defects.
• Provide hands-on support to the Quality team as needed, including investigations and corrective actions.
• Engineer mechanical and process-based corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Ensure sustainable solutions to eliminate recurring issues.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration (Design for Manufacturing - DFM)

• Act as a liaison between R&D and Manufacturing to ensure product designs are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective.
• Provide input on product design to improve assembly efficiency and reduce complexity.
• Support design iterations that enhance product integrity and production readiness.

6. Operations Support & New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead the transition of new products from prototype to full-scale production.
• Develop and document manufacturing processes, work instructions, and production standards.
• Ensure readiness of production teams, tooling, and systems for new product launches.
• Support pilot builds and continuous improvement during early production phases.

7. Data Integrity & ERP Management

• Audit and maintain ERP (NetSuite) routings, BOMs, and work centers to ensure alignment with actual production processes.
• Ensure accuracy of the digital manufacturing environment (“digital twin”).
• Support financial accuracy through reliable production and labor data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production engineering environment.
• Hands-on experience with BOM management, work instruction development, and assembly troubleshooting.
• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred).
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.

Core Competencies

• Process Optimization & Lean Manufacturing
• Data Analysis & KPI Management
• BOM & Documentation Control
• Root Cause Analysis & Troubleshooting
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Manufacturing Readiness & NPI Execution