Job Description

Manufacturing Engineer

Crane Manufacturing & Process Improvement

Location: Houston, Texas
Company: Konecranes

Position Summary

Konecranes is seeking a driven and results-oriented Manufacturing Engineer to support the fabrication, assembly, wiring, testing, and commissioning of custom Engineered-to-Order overhead crane systems.

This position is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, optimizing production flow, developing work instructions, supporting quality initiatives, and driving operational efficiency across fabrication and assembly operations. The Manufacturing Engineer serves as the critical link between Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and in accordance with customer and engineering requirements.

Success in this role requires strong technical knowledge, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work directly with production personnel to develop practical solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and delivery performance.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Development

• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes for fabrication, welding, assembly, wiring, testing, and material handling operations.
• Create and improve manufacturing work instructions, routing sheets, process documentation, and standard work.
• Define labor standards and manufacturing methods to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Support implementation of engineering changes and ensure seamless transition into production.
• Evaluate new manufacturing technologies, equipment, and tooling opportunities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve throughput.

Production Support

• Provide daily support to fabrication, mechanical assembly, and electrical assembly teams.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues affecting quality, productivity, or schedule performance.
• Analyze production constraints and implement corrective actions to eliminate bottlenecks.
• Support Foremen and Superintendents in achieving production goals.
• Participate in production planning activities and capacity assessments.
• Assist with resolution of technical issues related to drawings, bills of material, and manufacturing methods.

Welding & Fabrication Support

• Support fabrication operations involving structural steel crane components, girders, trolley frames, end trucks, and machinery structures.
• Develop and improve fabrication workflows and fixture concepts.
• Support compliance with AWS D14.1 welding requirements and company quality standards.
• Collaborate with Quality and Production teams to reduce weld defects, rework, and fabrication nonconformances.
• Assist with root-cause analysis of welding and fabrication quality issues.

Assembly & Controls Support

• Support mechanical assembly and electrical integration processes for custom crane systems.
• Develop assembly methods that improve safety, ergonomics, and productivity.
• Assist production personnel in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and controls-related issues.
• Support commissioning and factory testing activities as needed.
• Work with Controls Engineering and Production teams to improve installation and testing processes for PLCs, VFDs, operator controls, and automation systems.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct time studies and process evaluations to identify efficiency opportunities.
• Analyze key performance indicators including labor productivity, first-pass quality, rework, and throughput.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions for recurring production issues.
• Promote best practices throughout the manufacturing organization.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes support engineering specifications, customer requirements, and company standards.
• Support first-pass quality initiatives and reduction of nonconforming product.
• Participate in root-cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Assist in developing inspection plans and quality checkpoints.
• Support compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and operational requirements.

Safety Leadership

• Actively support Konecranes' safety culture and continuous improvement efforts.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing ergonomics and workplace safety.
• Participate in safety investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure manufacturing processes are designed and executed with safety as a primary consideration.

Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in fabrication, industrial equipment, heavy machinery, structural steel, material handling, or engineered products manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, welding, machining, assembly, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and process optimization methodologies.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, electrical schematics, and engineering documentation.
• Experience developing work instructions, standard operating procedures, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and CAD software.
• Experience supporting AWS welding standards and fabrication quality programs preferred.
• Overhead crane, heavy equipment, or industrial manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

Additional Information

What we offer:

Benefits: Medical Plan, Dental, Vision, 401k plan with a match from day one, identity theft protection, accident insurance, travel insurance and so much more!

Vacation: 2 weeks of vacation per year (pro-rated for the first year depending on start date). 5-12 years of service, 3 weeks. 13+ years of service, 4 weeks.

Sick Leave: 5 days of Sick Leave per year. Pro-rated the first year after 90 days of service

Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year