Lead Manufacturing Engineer POSITION SUMMARYThe Lead Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for leading manufacturing engineering initiatives that support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives within a high-volume precision manufacturing environment. This role provides technical leadership for manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, gauging, continuous improvement activities, and capital projects while driving operational excellence across the plant.
The Lead Manufacturing Engineer serves as a key technical resource for production and cross-functional teams, leading complex engineering projects, mentoring engineers and technicians, and supporting the development and implementation of robust manufacturing processes.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead manufacturing engineering projects focused on process improvement, capacity expansion, cost reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.
- Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes including machining, tooling, gauging, assembly, and testing operations.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to manufacturing engineers, technicians, and production personnel.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts related to process capability, equipment performance, tooling, gauging, scrap reduction, and downtime.
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Product Engineering teams to support production and new product launches.
- Support and lead capital equipment projects including justification, specification development, installation, validation, and startup activities.
- Analyze manufacturing data and KPIs to identify trends and implement corrective actions to improve OEE, throughput, cycle time, and quality metrics.
- Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, and standard work.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards throughout all manufacturing processes.
- Spend significant time on the production floor supporting manufacturing operations and continuous improvement activities.
- Mentor and develop less experienced engineers and technical staff.
- May be required to perform miscellaneous related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead projects and influence cross-functional teams.
- High level of technical aptitude and manufacturing process knowledge.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required.
- Minimum of 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience leading complex manufacturing projects and mentoring engineering teams preferred.
- Experience with machining, tooling, gauging, assembly processes, and automated manufacturing systems strongly preferred.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS- Minimal travel may be required based on business needs.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS- Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and infrequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including extended periods of standing and walking on the production floor.
WORKING CONDITIONS- Manufacturing/shop environment.
- Flexibility to support off-shift, weekend, or extended hours based on business conditions and project requirements.
