Job description

Description: SUMMARY The Manufacturing Engineer develops and optimizes manufacturing processes for heavy industrial equipment consisting of welded steel, hydraulics, and electronics. This role drives continuous improvement through lean methods, automation, robotics, AI-driven analytics, and data-based decision making. Provides leadership across welding, fabrication, and assembly areas, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations while supporting new product launches and sustainability initiatives. Collaborates closely with design, supply chain, and operations to achieve world-class manufacturing standards. Requirements: Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Participate in cross-functional teams to support plant operations, implementing lean and AI-enabled methods to improve efficiency and reduce waste. 2. Establish methods and standards for new and revised parts; collaborate with design engineering to ensure manufacturability during product development. 3. Apply AI-driven analytics to monitor processes for quality, efficiency, and downtime trends; implement predictive improvements. 4. Analyze, document, and resolve process failures using both traditional problem-solving and AI-based root cause tools; lead cost reduction initiatives. 5. Lead capital projects that improve material flow, reduce floor space requirements, enhance safety, and reduce costs. 6. Develop justifications for new capital equipment, including robotic, automated, and AI-enabled systems; manage installation and startup. 7. Select tooling for new automated processes; lead or support design of new or revised tooling and fixtures for welding, fabrication, and assembly. 8. Provide production support in areas of safety, quality, throughput, line balancing, inventory management, and cost optimization. 9. Design, implement, and maintain fixturing and tooling used in manual and automated welding cells. 10. Program and optimize CNC and robotic automated tools, including use of AI-assisted robotic programming and vision systems. 11. Collaborate with IT and ERP (Epicor) teams to apply AI-enhanced scheduling, routing, and materials planning. 12. Mentor and support operators, welders, and assemblers in adoption of new technologies and processes. Other Duties and Responsibilities 1. Maintain punctual, regular, and predictable attendance. 2. Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation. 3. Display excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with cross-functional teams. 4. Communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure. 5. Respectfully take direction from supervisor or manager. 6. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Experience and Qualifications 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering environment, preferably in heavy equipment, welded steel structures, or hydraulics/electronics integration. Hands-on welding experience (MIG, robotic welding) strongly preferred. Proven track record with lean manufacturing and MRP system use. Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Education and/or Equivalent Experience Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Manufacturing, Industrial, Agricultural or Mechanical) or a combination of a relevant education and closely related work experience preferred. Training, Certifications, Licenses, Registrations AWS D1.1 or equivalent welding certification preferred. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or willingness to pursue). OSHA 30 safety training preferred. Training or experience in AI/ML applications for manufacturing (predictive analytics, computer vision, intelligent scheduling) strongly desired. Critical Skills Language: Ability to read, write, and present technical information effectively. Mathematics: Proficiency with applied mathematics, statistics, and process modeling. Computer/Technical Skills: CAD 3D design (Inventor preferred; SolidWorks acceptable). CNC programming (G-Code) and robotic programming (Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa). Microsoft Office Suite, MS Project, and Epicor ERP (or similar ERP/MES). AI/Analytics Tools: Power BI, Minitab, Python or other AI-enabled platforms for process optimization. Reasoning: Strong problem-solving and organizational skills; ability to apply both traditional engineering methods and AI-driven insights to decision-making. Physical Demands Occasionally: Sit, climb or balance, and lift up to 25 pounds Regularly: Stand, walk, talk or hear, taste or smell and lift up to 25 pounds Frequently: Use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and lift up to 10 pounds Vision Requirements: Close, distance, color, peripheral, depth, perception and ability to adjust and focus Work Environment Office/Shop environment

Requirements