Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Assembly

Montaplast of North America; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Montaplast of North America is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Assembly to estimate, develop, and launch assembly processes, automation, and EOAT.

Based in Frankfort, Kentucky, with global project responsibilities, translating customer RFQs, engineering specs, and requirements into feasible manufacturing concepts and documented project estimates, then leading equipment development through production launch.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 5+ years in manufacturing engineering, automation, or equipment launch with concept-to-production responsibility.
• Experience with assembly equipment, automation, and EOAT; ability to read specs, drawings, tolerances, and 3D models.
• Strong cost estimation, production data analysis, and cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead RFQ technical review to determine CAPEX, tooling, scope, risks.
• Develop project estimates for assembly equipment, automation, EOAT, and launch.
• Develop equipment specs and layouts using value stream analysis and simulations.
• Lead projects from concept to production handover, tracking budgets and risks.
• Coordinate with equipment builders and internal teams; drive trials and readiness activities.
• Improve process capability and establish production documentation and training.

Skills

Advanced Manufacturing

Automation

Project management

Cost estimation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/ Manufacturing/ Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

3D CAD modelling

EOAT design tools

Job description

Montaplast of North America is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Assembly to estimate, develop, and launch assembly processes, automation, and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT). Based in Frankfort, Kentucky, with global project responsibilities, this role translates customer RFQs, engineering specifications, and customer-specific requirements into feasible manufacturing concepts and documented project estimates, then leads equipment development through production launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical review of customer requests for quotation (RFQs), engineering specifications, and customer-specific requirements to determine required capital expenditure (CAPEX) and tooling and define project scope, feasibility, assumptions, and risks.
• Develop project estimates covering assembly equipment, automation, EOAT, engineering effort, installation, validation, and launch. Estimate cycle times, labor, capacity, and timing to support customer quotations and investment decisions.
• Develop equipment specifications and handling concepts; use value stream analysis and process simulation to optimize layouts, material flow, staffing, and capacity.
• Lead projects from concept through design reviews, installation, and production handover. Prepare investment justifications and track approved budgets, schedules, risks, and scope changes.
• Coordinate technical work with equipment builders and internal teams; lead trials, acceptance testing, and production readiness activities to meet safety, quality, and performance targets.
• Improve process capability and equipment reliability; establish production documentation, training, and standards, and use actual project results to improve future estimates.

Required Qualifications

• A degree in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant education and hands‑on experience.
• Five or more years of relevant manufacturing engineering, automation, or equipment launch experience, including project estimation and responsibility from concept through production.
• Knowledge of assembly equipment, automation, and EOAT; ability to interpret customer requirements, engineering specifications, drawings, tolerances, and 3D models.
• Ability to develop and explain technical cost estimates, document assumptions, and analyze production data, capacity, and cycle time; strong project management and communication skills.
• Experience working in a global manufacturing environment and collaborating with international engineering teams, suppliers, or customers is required.

Preferred experience:

Automotive plastics manufacturing; advanced product quality planning (APQP), process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), Lean methods, and capital investment analysis. Experience overseeing equipment builds and production launches in low-cost countries is highly desirable.

This Frankfort, Kentucky-based role supports projects in and/or originating from Germany, China, and other global locations, working with international engineering teams, customers, and equipment builders. Business travel of 25–50% is required, including domestic and international travel. The role includes hands‑on work in production areas.