Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Traverse City, MI Salary: $80,000.00 USD Annually - $95,000.00 USD Annually Description:
Process & Manufacturing Engineer
Position Summary Reporting directly to the Operations Portfolio Manager, the Process & Manufacturing Engineer designs, implements, and optimizes cost-effective production methods aligned with product specifications and quality standards. This role serves as the technical subject matter expert for plant workflows and machining operations, utilizing data analytics to eliminate process variation, drive continuous improvement, and support operational excellence across the shop floor.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Process Ownership & Optimization: Architect, document, and refine high-precision production workflows. Conduct cost-benefit analyses to validate project ROI and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Continuous Improvement & Root Cause Analysis: Lead long-term problem-solving initiatives in collaboration with quality and operations personnel. Use data analytics to evaluate defect root causes and measure corrective action effectiveness.
• Variance Analysis & Trend Monitoring: Track KPIs and critical dimensional tolerances during live production runs. Analyze statistical trends to flag tool wear, thermal expansion, or process drift before parts breach engineering limits.
• New Product Introduction (NPI) & Change Management: Serve as the primary operations representative during early-stage product launches. Formalize process updates via engineering change notices (ECN/TCN), draft standard work instructions, and train production technicians on new workflows.
• In-Line Support & Material Disposition: Provide technical assistance for non-conforming material disposition within a 24-hour SLA. Coordinate First Piece Approvals (FPA) and inspection audits to minimize line stoppages.
• Capability & Measurement Studies: Perform statistical process capability studies on machinery and new tooling setups. Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) projects, including Gage R&R and Linearity & Bias assessments.
• Operational Team Leadership: Partner with unit leadership (Operations Manager, Quality Engineer, Systems Specialist) to sustain target plant performance, driving overall equipment efficiency (OEE) toward an 85%+ baseline.

Knowledge, Skills, & Technical Abilities

• Blueprint & Metrology Expertise: Advanced knowledge of technical engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Machining & Tooling Proficiency: Practical background in multi-axis CNC equipment setups, tight-tolerance machining, cutting tool selection, and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) operation.
• Specialized Software Skills: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD/CAM, simulation, and metrology software platforms (such as SolidWorks, GibbsCAM, Esprit, Vericut, Calypso, or PiWeb).
• Lean Methodologies: Applied understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma waste reduction, and structured root-cause problem solving.
• Soft Skills & Execution: Strong detail orientation, self-directed time management, clear written/verbal communication, and a strong track record of mentoring shop floor personnel.

Qualifications
Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of hands-on engineering experience in a precision industrial or mechanical production environment.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex machinery, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Must be legally qualified as a U.S. Person under applicable export control frameworks (ITAR/EAR) due to customer compliance requirements. No visa sponsorship available.

Preferred:

• Prior experience in high-precision CNC machining or automated manufacturing environments.
• Formal coursework or certification in Lean Manufacturing techniques.

Benefits & Compensation Structure

• Day 1 Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA); company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Retirement & Bonus: 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching structure; eligibility for quarterly performance bonuses.
• Paid Leave: Paid Time Off (PTO) available following initial employment milestone.

By providing your phone number, you consent to: (1) receive automated text messages and calls from the Judge Group, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively "Judge") to such phone number regarding job opportunities, your job application, and for other related purposes. Message & data rates apply and message frequency may vary. Consistent with Judge's Privacy Policy, information obtained from your consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes. Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help.
Contact:
This job and many more are available through The Judge Group. Please apply with us today!