Automation & Manufacturing Engineer

Kem Krest; Pleasant Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus Program

Free On-site Clinics & Prescriptions

401K Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Generous PTO & Holiday

Job summary

Kem Krest seeks an Automation & Manufacturing Engineer to design, develop, and implement manufacturing and sub-assembly solutions that meet customer needs. You will bridge customer requirements with production execution, collaborating with engineering, operations, and technical teams to turn concepts into scalable processes.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who thrives on tackling complex manufacturing challenges, developing efficient assembly methods, and driving continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial engineering environments.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers, operations, and engineering to define production solutions.
• Design, evaluate, and improve assembly processes, tooling, fixtures, and work cells.
• Identify methods, equipment, and controls to support assembly, verification, and traceability.

Skills

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

At Kem Krest, we are more than a supply chain solutions provider—we are a trusted partner to some of the world’s leading automotive, heavy-duty, and powersports OEMs. As a certified minority-owned business, we deliver customized services in packaging, logistics, and compliance with a focus on innovation, quality, and customer success.

With a global network, high-touch service, and a relentless commitment to quality, Kem Krest is the go-to partner for companies seeking to streamline operations, reduce costs, and accelerate growth. Join us and be part of a team that’s passionate about making supply chains smarter, and partnerships stronger.

Kem Krest is seeking an Automation & Manufacturing Engineer to help design, develop, and implement innovative manufacturing and sub-assembly solutions that meet our customers' evolving needs. This role serves as a key link between customer requirements and production execution, working collaboratively with engineering, operations, and technical teams to transform concepts into scalable manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who enjoys tackling complex manufacturing challenges, developing efficient assembly methods, supporting automation initiatives, and driving continuous improvement throughout the production environment. This individual will play a critical role in evaluating assembly requirements, designing manufacturing solutions, supporting equipment implementation, and ensuring reliable, high-quality production processes.

This position is full-time onsite, 1st shift, in Pleasant Prairie, WI.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with customers, operations, and engineering teams to understand manufacturing and sub-assembly requirements and develop effective production solutions.
• Design, evaluate, and improve assembly processes, tooling, fixtures, work cells, and manufacturing methods to support quality, safety, and efficiency goals.
• Determine the appropriate methods, equipment, and process controls needed to support assembly, verification, quality assurance, and traceability requirements.
• Partner with internal automation and technical resources to develop, troubleshoot, support, and continuously improve manufacturing equipment, controls, data collection systems, and assembly processes.
• Support the design, build, validation, and implementation of manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and automation solutions.
• Serve as a key technical resource for production and automation-related issues, identifying root causes, troubleshooting equipment and processes, and coordinating effective solutions.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and workflow analysis to identify opportunities for process improvement, increased throughput, reduced waste, and operational efficiency.
• Support capacity planning, process development, and facility optimization initiatives to ensure manufacturing readiness for current and future programs.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional projects, proactively identifying risks, communicating progress, and driving successful project execution.
• Follow all Kem Krest quality, safety, and customer-specific requirements while maintaining compliance with established procedures and standards.

Your Contributions:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, automation, industrial engineering, assembly operations, or a related engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process development, equipment integration, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret customer requirements, define process needs, and develop practical manufacturing solutions that meet quality and operational objectives.
• Experience troubleshooting production equipment, process issues, and manufacturing systems in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, root cause problem solving, workflow analysis, and process optimization.
• Effective communication and project management skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, suppliers, and customers.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certifications are preferred.

Why Kem Krest?

• Annual Bonus Program
• Free On-site Clinics & Prescriptions
• 401K Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Generous PTO & Holiday

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Engineering.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.