Advanced Manufacturing Engineer Automation Continuous Improvement

AJ Capital Recruiting; Florida; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AJ Capital Recruiting seeks a highly technical Advanced Manufacturing Engineer to drive production technology, continuous improvement, and capital automation projects from concept to closeout. The role places you on the plant floor as the primary engineering resource for identifying losses and integrating advanced manufacturing systems.

Open to cross-industry talent with strong high-volume automation backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years in a high-volume automated manufacturing environment.
• Experience with automation systems and machinery, and the related schematics.
• Experience tracking capital equipment budgets and vendor deliverables.
• Willingness for active floor presence and off-shift support.

Responsibilities

• Identify, design, and commission automation solutions on the plant floor.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean, Kaizen, and SMED.
• Address production interruptions with rigorous root-cause tools.
• Serve as project manager for equipment upgrades, including budgets and timelines.
• Coordinate FAT/SAT, production trials, and release to floor.

Skills

Automation systems

Robotics programming

Industrial controls

Lean Six Sigma

Root-cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Plastics/Automation Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology

Tools

PLC programming

HMI interfaces

Electrical schematics

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly technical, hands-on Advanced Manufacturing Engineer to drive production technology, continuous improvement, and capital automation projects from concept through closeout. Spending majority of your time directly on the plant floor, you will serve as the primary engineering resource for identifying operational losses and integrating advanced manufacturing systems. We are open to cross-industry engineering talent with strong, high-volume automated background in Injection Molding, Progressive Die Stamping, Tier 1 Automotive, or OEM environments.

What You'll Do (Essential Responsibilities)

• Automation & Technology Integration: Identify, design, and commission practical automation solutions using industrial robots, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), automated handling, conveyors, and advanced vision inspection systems.
• Continuous Improvement Projects: Lead plant-floor continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, and SMED methodologies to eliminate waste, improve labor productivity, and maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Structured Problem Solving: Address high-impact production interruptions and scrap directly at the machinery using rigorous root-cause tools (e.g., 5-Why, 8D, Fishbone, A3).
• Project Management & Cost Control: Act as the project manager for manufacturing equipment upgrades—owning scope, vendor management, quotes, timelines, and budgets from initial business case through closeout.
• Equipment Validation: Coordinate technical testing and commissioning parameters, including Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT), run-at-rate production trials, and formal release to the floor.

Position Requirements (Qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Plastics/Automation Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: 10+ years of hands‑on engineering experience inside a high‑volume automated manufacturing operation (Open to Injection Molding, Stamping, Tier 1 Automotive, or industrial OEM production ).
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated experience working with high-volume machinery, automation systems, auxiliary equipment, and mechanical/electrical schematics.
• Project Tracking: Proven capability tracking capital equipment budgets, coordinating vendor deliverables, and analyzing process capability (SPC).
• Floor Presence: Willingness to maintain a active floor presence and provide occasional off‑shift support during equipment installations, trials, or launches.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working directly with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial controls/robot programming.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Specialized manufacturing credentials (e.g., RJG/Scientific Molding certification for molding backgrounds, or tool & die expertise for stamping backgrounds).