Manufacturing Engineer

Professional Summary (Enhanced with Automation)Results-driven Manufacturing Engineer with strong expertise in manufacturing automation, continuous improvement, and new product introduction. Proven success in designing and implementing automated manufacturing processes and equipment that improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance product quality. Skilled at leading cross-functional engineering teams, troubleshooting production issues, and driving lean manufacturing initiatives. Experienced in PLC-controlled equipment, robotics integration, and automated test systems while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.Essential Duties and Responsibilities (with Automation Additions)Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.Facilitate technical team meetings and project work, e.g., DFA, PFMEA, A3PS, data analysis, Design of Experiments, root cause analysis, Pugh analysesCoach and mentor new and existing engineers on processes, tools and skills required to further their personal developmentWork with Value Stream team to identify and apply continuous improvement methods to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, or cost-effectivenessDesign, plan, specify, procure, certify, and implement into production safe, high-quality, automated and semi-automated equipment and processesDevelop and optimize automation strategies, including robotics, PLC programming, motion control, and machine vision to improve manufacturing efficiency and consistencyPartners with Lean/CI team to develop manufacturing processes and standard work that improve output, reduce defects, improve product quality and reliabilityBenchmarks best manufacturing practices, automation technologies, and assembly techniques; introduces and implements enhanced automated processes that reduce cycle time and labor costsFunctional ownership of item routings, work instructions, and process flow documentation, including automation process specifications and control plansSupports new product development, driving Design for Manufacturing/Assembly and Design for Automation objectivesSupport production equipment and processes as required to ensure optimal performance, including automation troubleshooting, PLC logic adjustments, and system upgradesOperations lead on New Product Introductions and Design Changes (ECN/ECR and OSK), including automation-ready process developmentCreate efficient production processes to build and ship custom configured products within market lead time through automated workflow integrationReview drawings, blueprints, sketches, manuals, or sample parts to determine appropriate manufacturing process; create drawings in SolidWorks or similar and integrate automation toolingApply Lean Manufacturing practices, including line balancing, Kanban, 5S, SMED, and automation-driven waste reductionCreate/Update information for creation of BOMs/Routings in ERP, including automation components and maintenance schedulesSupport Quality team on investigation and corrective action for product quality issues using automated testing and data collection systemsAbility to work in a cross-functional team environment and drive resultsAbility to support other job functions (logistics, warehouse, technical sales, instrumentation) within a small team structureEnsure compliance with industry safety regulations and proactively implement automation safety systems (e-stops, light curtains, lockout/tagout)Collaborate with suppliers and system integrators to evaluate and implement automation equipment and digital manufacturing technologiesSkillsManufacturing Automation: PLC programming, robotics integration, machine vision systems, automated test stations, motion controlContinuous Improvement: Lean manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, Kanban, SMED, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), waste reductionProcess Engineering: Assembly line design, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Six Sigma methodologies, PFMEA, control plansMechanical Design: Tooling and fixture design, GD&T, design for manufacturability/assembly (DFMA), SolidWorksElectrical/Controls: Ladder logic, HMI programming, servo systems, sensors & actuators, wiring schematicsProject Leadership: Cross-functional collaboration, project planning, risk mitigation, supplier management, ERP/MRP systemsProblem Solving: Root cause analysis (RCA), Design of Experiments (DOE), A3, 8D, statistical analysisSafety & Compliance: OSHA, CE/UL machine safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), risk assessmentsTools & TechnologiesAutomation & Controls: Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs, Siemens PLCs, Omron, Mitsubishi, Schneider ElectricRobotics: ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa Motoman, UR (Universal Robots), KawasakiVision & Sensors: Cognex, Keyence, Sick, Banner, Panasonic vision systemsMotion Control: Allen-Bradley Kinetix, Bosch Rexroth, Festo, Parker HannifinManufacturing Software: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Mastercam, ANSYSData & Quality Tools: Minitab, JMP, SPC, MES systemsTest & Measurement: NI LabVIEW, Fluke, National Instruments DAQERP Systems: SAP, Oracle, Infor, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics