Manufacturing Engineers

Manufacturing Engineer-Owatonna, MN

October 29, 2023

Strom Minnesota is currently looking for a Manufacturing Engineer for our client in Owatonna, MN.

Manufacturing Engineer

Responsible for the development, characterization, and improvement of complex manufacturing processes and techniques used within Manufacturing; the position owns the development and implementation of process and product level work instructions and plays a key role in training the personnel using them; provides day-to-day technical support to Manufacturing and works as a liaison between Manufacturing & the Product Development Team throughout all product development phases.

Results Statement:  (The result expected from this position)

Cost effective, reliable, and safe manufacturing processes, workmanship standards, and technology and knowledge properties.

Position Responsibilities:  

    Technical:

1. Function as the key person responsible for developing detailed Work Instructions for manufacturing processes and product assembly.
2. Play a key role in supporting the manufacturing production area in implementation and training of personnel in the use of Work Instructions for manufacturing processes and product assembly.
3. Provide the highest-level technical support to Manufacturing operations and work as a liaison between Manufacturing & the Product Development Team.
4. Seek design for manufacturability as a key participant on G4M product development projects.
5. Participate with the Product Development Team, the OFF Team, the Materials Team, and Accounting in identifying and implementing cost reduction efforts associated with current products and components.
6. Achieve cost reductions through alternative manufacturing practices, tooling and equipment alternatives, and process simplification.
   1. Propose opportunities and organize and lead cost reduction team initiatives as appropriate
   2. Work collaboratively with the OFF Team, Product Development Team, and Materials Team groups to select material, process, and design alternatives.
7. Assume a leadership role in manufacturing process technology development and process enhancement/development initiatives.
   1. Support Production Supervisors in their efforts to reduce labor costs and rework and scrap costs
   2. Propose project scope and deliverables
   3. Execute project plans
8. Oversee the perpetuation and integrity of Manufacturing Standards and Best Practices.
   1. Prepare Engineering Change Order (ECO) actions related to change proposals.
   2. Train others on the use and maintenance of the knowledge base.
   3. Conduct research as appropriate to enhance the value of the data and tools.
9. Attend professional conferences, seminars, and trade shows to assess technological status, discover new industry developments, and acquire specific technological training.
10. Lead formal corrective actions on failures seeking system change to address the root cause.
11. Participate in design for manufacturability (DFM) brainstorming sessions as part of the G4M product development process.
12. Occasionally will coordinate or lead DFM activities to improve product and process reliability.
13. Act as a technical resource for manufacturing and the OFF Team providing explanations and answers, troubleshooting, and other technical assistance as necessary or requested.
14. Participate in Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) activities and resultant ECO or prototype/design modification actions.
    1. Initiate and lead FMEA activities focused on process reliability and process safety.

   Interpersonal:

1. Reporting
   1. Daily verbal reporting on open issues
   2. Weekly reporting of project status, and
   3. Monthly reporting on status of department objectives.

Position-Specific Standards: (Quality, productivity, timeliness, cost, customer service, safety, and behavior)

        Measurable Work Standards:  

1. Timeliness
2. Performance to project schedules
3. Cost
   1. Cost reductions proposed and realized
4. Quality
   1. Mistake-proof processes resulting in injury rate reduction, warranty issues reduction, warranty cost reduction, and manufacturing problem reduction. FMEA actions result in decreased process failures and improved workplace safety.
5. Safety
   1. FMEA actions result in improvements in safety record and product safety.

Qualifications:  (Entry level education, experience, and capabilities for acceptable candidates)

    Education:

1. S.M.E. degree, or a B.S. degree with a concentration of coursework in Industrial Technology, Industrial Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering; Masters Degree highly desirable.
2. Minimum of three years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of experience and advanced engineering education required.
3. Strong training, understanding and experience in modern manufacturing techniques, i.e. Lean, 5S, Constraint Theory Management, Six Sigma.

Experience:

1. Strong, multi-year experience in New Product Introduction.
2. Familiar with a wide range of fabrication processes and manufacturing processes associated with a system level final assembly and test facility; outsourcing experience preferred.
3. Must have experience with process capabilities studies.
4. Experience in capital appropriation evaluation and analysis.

Capabilities:

1. Skills and Abilities:

1. 1. Knowledgeable concerning mechanical principles, machining practices, the properties of metals, and the application of mathematics and dimensions to production machinery and tooling
   2. Knowledgeable concerning modern fabrication and assembly techniques and machine-shop practices and techniques.
   3. Able to mentally visualize and comprehend all aspects of a manufacturing process problem, understand the interrelationships of factors affecting a given situation, and be attentive to detail.
   4. Capable of efficiently integrating existing methods with new innovations to economically solve production problems in a timely manner.
   5. Must possess the ability to work with a broad range of internal and external organizations and have a strong bias towards customer satisfaction and working in a team environment.
   6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively train and provide feedback to other team members.
   7. Strong knowledge and experience in supply chain principles and practices.
   8. Experience in New Product Introduction activities.
   9. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex customer specification documents, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
   10. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
   11. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
   12. Ability to apply advanced mathematical and engineering concepts.
   13. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, and correlation techniques.
   14. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
   15. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

1. Demonstrated computational skills involving higher level math including calculus, algebra and trigonometry, and statistical methods including regression analysis and quality charts.
2. Demonstrated abilities in print reading, and interpretation and application of dimensioning and tolerancing including tolerance analysis.
3. Abilities interpreting and applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
4. Skill at effectively instructing or persuading is a regular requirement.

2. Characteristics:

1. 1. Has initiative and is able to work effectively with little direction and/or few guidelines.

1. High work commitment and standards of excellence.
2. A desire to achieve team results and continuous improvement.
3. A desire to learn and grow professionally.

3. Physical Requirements:

1. 1. This position involves a variety of sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching.

 

Manufacturing Engineer-Edina, MN

October 27, 2023

SUMMARY

Support continuous improvement for manufacturing processes in the areas of safety, quality, throughput and cost.  Coordinates activities of engineering, tool design, purchasing, and other departments, to develop efficient systems, processes and machines.  Ensures that projects, goals, and objectives are accomplished within the prescribed time frame and funding parameters by performing the duties listed below.

As a member of the Engineering team, this position is expected to:

• Lead by example to support the company’s culture and values.
• Collaboratively work with other functional disciplines to support a culture of accountability, mutual respect, and teamwork.
• Perform the responsibilities of the position following the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Work in accordance with applicable QMS procedures.
• Develop, implement, and support systems to achieve cost reductions, quality and safety improvements, productivity increases, inventory reductions, and service improvements.
• Analyze and plan work force utilization, space requirements, workflow, and design layouts of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
• Research, justify, procure, and implement new technology to maximize quality, throughput and profitability
• Confer with production and design teams on product design and tooling to ensure efficient production methods on existing product and new product launches.
• Manage the manufacturing development and implementation of preproduction projects.
• Collaborate with vendors, Procurement and Engineering to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate products according to specifications and quality standards.
• Identify process and component changes to improve the value and performance of standard product and improve manufacturability.
• Estimate production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.
• Confer with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, make vs. buy decisions, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes.
• Set up new or modify existing parts in ERP system, including, but not limited to, item masters and BOMs.
• Confer with Project Engineer to determine design modifications required for configured product
• Create an Engineering Change Order (ECO) to document design release or implement changes to the product design. This activity includes CAD changes & information updates in the ERP system
• Create spreadsheets, charts & graphs to analyze statistical data.
• Proficiently use CAD software platform (INVENTOR & 2D AutoCAD)
• Examine part specifications to determine tool requirements and special materials or items to be ordered.
• Prepares requisitions for items to be purchased.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Working knowledge of, and experience in working with metal; including welding, primarily steel, and aluminum.
• Basic knowledge of performance characteristics of wood, i.e., plywood, particleboard.
• Basic understanding of the performance characteristics of plastics to include, i.e., molding, structural strength, the process of manufacturing.
• Experience with ISO 9000, experience with ISO 14000 is a plus.
• Basic computer skills with good working knowledge of Windows, Word, Excel, plus other pertinent software programs. CAD experience would also be a plus. 
• Understanding of and experience in working with JIT, Cellular & Lean Manufacturing, Six-sigma, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.  Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Prefer a degree in an Engineering discipline, however other degrees would be acceptable if the candidate has demonstrated successful experience in the manufacturing area of a company.
• No Less than 5 years of proven successful factory experience.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, managerial and financial management documents. 
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to define problems, collect and interpret data to draw a valid conclusion.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to understand a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proper waste disposal. (Understanding of hazardous waste procedures)
• Maintenance of grounds, including fire protection, (sprinklers, ventilation, electrical, roof, parking lot, security).
• Maintenance of production assets.
• Understanding and meeting OSHA requirements.
• Factory safety and health issues, ergonomics.

Manufacturing Engineer

October 13, 2023

Job summary:  Under minimal supervision with only a general outline of objectives, performs various manufacturing engineering assignments. Reviews and designs manufacturing processes to ensure maximum efficiency and output. Modifies process by which products/deliverables are manufactured or assembled and assesses type of equipment used to improve production speed, quality, or safety. Plans and develops work program and project cost estimates for approval by supervisor and secures approval for subsequent changes or variances from approved plans. Works on projects involving the location of equipment, determination of work flow, analysis of production and processing steps, planning and scheduling of production, cost reduction, and cost control problems, etc. Participates in conversion to new methods, systems, etc., to assure planned implementation.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs various manufacturing engineering assignments.
• Reviews and designs manufacturing processes to ensure maximum efficiency and output.
• Modifies process by which products/deliverables are manufactured or assembled and assesses type of equipment used to improve production.
• Plans and develops work program and project cost estimates for approval by supervisor.
• Secures approval for subsequent changes or variances from approved plans.
• Works on projects involving the location of equipment, determination of work flow, analysis of production and processing steps, planning and scheduling of production, cost reduction, and cost control problems.
• Participates in conversion to new methods, systems, etc., to assure planned implementation.
• Considers quality control and safety when performing engineering functions.
• Reads blueprints and other work orders to perform job.
• Completes and maintains paperwork for work produced.
• Ensures work is done safely by adhering to established safety policies and procedures.
• Maintains clean and safe work area in compliance with all procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Contributes to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Required- High School diploma or equivalent. Preferred- Additional technical/engineer schooling/trade schooling or related.
• Preferred- Minimum 3 years of related work experience.
• Required- proficient computer skills; Preferred- familiarity with JobBoss Software and SolidWorks
• Preferred- Experience working in an ISO9001/AS9100 certified environment.
• Required- thorough knowledge of CNC machine capabilities and materials characteristics.

Qualifications:

• Ability to interpret blueprints, shop drawings, sketches or other production orders.
• Maintain routine records.
• Knowledge of trade tools, equipment, materials, micrometer, as well as, methods and techniques used in safe machining operations.
• Strong attention to quality and detail orientation.
• Mechanical capacity.
• Mathematical skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Time management skills to meet schedules and time standards, to best of ability as instructed.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. 
• This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing.
• stand, sit, and walk continuously.
• stoop, crouch, and reach.
• use hands and fingers to enter data into computer frequently.
• occasionally perform repetitive motions.