MANUFACTURING ENGINEERDepartment: Manufacturing Engineering
Location: Nicholasville, KY
Reports To: Director of Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Travel: Minimal to None
Position SummaryThe Manufacturing Engineer is a hands-on technical role responsible for maximizing production output, improving manufacturing and assembly processes, supporting new product introductions, and ensuring the effective use of equipment and materials. This position partners closely with Operations, Quality, Production, and Research & Development to maintain high standards of safety, quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
The ideal candidate is a problem-solver who enjoys working on the production floor, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing practical solutions that improve performance and efficiency.
Key ResponsibilitiesManufacturing & Process Improvement- Develop, evaluate, implement, improve, and document manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and work instructions.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
- Analyze production workflows and recommend process improvements.
- Design and optimize equipment layouts, workflow, and workspace utilization for maximum efficiency and safety.
- Evaluate equipment and manufacturing processes to produce high-quality products at competitive costs.
New Product Introduction & Validation- Plan and manage product quality activities during transfer from development to production.
- Support design validation, process validation, and production readiness activities.
- Conduct manufacturing feasibility reviews and develop assembly processes and tooling solutions.
- Collaborate with R&D and Product Development teams to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability.
Technical Troubleshooting & Problem Solving- Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical manufacturing issues.
- Troubleshoot assembly, testing, and production line challenges to improve uptime and product quality.
- Analyze rework and scrap trends to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Provide technical leadership and support for repair and troubleshooting activities involving mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, and PCBs.
Lean Manufacturing Leadership- Lead and promote Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including:
- 5S
- SMED
- Value Stream Mapping
- Standard Work
- Continuous Improvement Events
- Train and coach production personnel on Lean principles and best practices.
Quality & Compliance- Facilitate corrective and preventive action efforts to resolve customer and internal quality concerns.
- Support ISO 9001 quality management system implementation and maintenance.
- Partner with Quality and Operations teams to improve product quality and delivery performance.
Training & Collaboration- Develop assembly instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.
- Provide technical guidance and training to operators, assemblers, inspectors, and support staff.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Management teams to achieve operational goals.
- Communicate manufacturing capabilities, schedules, and process constraints to business stakeholders.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
- Experience creating and maintaining Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, and engineering change documentation.
- Experience using NetSuite ERP or similar systems.
- Experience designing, building, testing, or debugging mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical products.
- Familiarity with CNC machining and CNC programming.
- Experience conducting root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to effectively present technical information to employees and leadership.
- Proficiency using standard business applications and manufacturing systems.
Physical Requirements- Ability to work regularly on the manufacturing floor.
- Frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout production areas.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move materials up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to safely operate in a manufacturing environment while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Manual dexterity sufficient to inspect, test, and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment and assemblies.
- Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, and processes to ensure compliance with quality standards.
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