Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer develops and implements continuous improvement strategies that drive safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency in manufacturing operations. This role requires a highly self-starting and independent individual who is hands-on and willing to spend a significant portion of each day on the manufacturing floor.

Responsibilities

• Proactively identify operational issues and opportunities for improvement, and independently initiate and lead projects to address them.
• Spend a significant portion of each day on the manufacturing floor, engaging directly with processes, equipment, and personnel.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Quality to develop continuous improvement strategies that directly support operational goals.
• Identify and manage projects that drive material, VA/VE, and other OpEx savings opportunities.
• Lead strategic initiatives for cost reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the lead change facilitator for the operation’s continuous improvement efforts, utilizing a hands-on approach at all levels within the plant.
• Gain buy-in from stakeholders at all levels to ensure successful implementation of process improvements and operational changes.
• Facilitate and drive change in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, leveraging strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and training to project teams on Lean methodologies and tools.
• Identify and drive Kaizen and focused continuous improvement events, working closely with manufacturing managers and operators.
• Utilize Lean principles and best practices to establish new work standards for machines, processes, and people to generate productivity savings, improve quality, enhance safety, and increase on-time delivery.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve equipment reliability, with an initial focus on critical or bottleneck equipment.
• Develop and create reports to measure progress and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the management team.
• Provide clear and frequent updates to leadership in both Spanish and English regarding project status, issues, and results.
• Maintain a self-improvement program through conferences, seminars, courses, and readings to continue developing expertise in Lean manufacturing and operational excellence.
• Document and standardize best practices for continuous improvement.
• Support digital transformation initiatives as needed.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Materials, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5–8 years’ experience in manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, including identifying problems, prioritizing actions, and implementing solutions.
• Past process engineering experience in manufacturing industries such as medical, electronics, automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, metals, or machinery.
• Experience with laser processing, injection molding, soldering, and value-add assembly manufacturing, is preferred.
• Proven track record of improving internal operations through the application of Six Sigma, Lean, DMAIC, PDCA, FMEA, Poka-Yoke, Visual Factory, and Kaizen initiatives.
• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or related methodologies are preferred but not required.
• Fluency in both Spanish and English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.