Engineer In Training

Brt Extrusions Inc; Niles (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

BRT Extrusions is seeking a motivated Junior Manufacturing Engineer to support aluminum extrusion operations. The role collaborates with engineering, production, maintenance, quality, and safety to troubleshoot challenges, optimize processes, and improve efficiency on the shop floor.

This entry-level position offers hands-on exposure to extrusion presses, tooling, and process parameters. The ideal candidate will have a manufacturing-focused engineering degree and strong analytical skills, with a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical systems, and production operations.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and analyze data to support engineering decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for daily aluminum extrusion press operations and downstream processes.
• Monitor performance, cycle times, scrap rates, and equipment efficiency; identify improvements.
• Troubleshoot extrusion issues including dimensional variations and material flow.
• Develop SOPs, work instructions, and process documentation.
• Support Lean/5S initiatives and equipment upgrades.

Skills

Analytical

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Data interpretation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelors in Manufacturing Engineering or related

Tools

Excel

CAD

MES

Statistical tools

PLC basics

Job description

BRT Extrusions is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Manufacturing Engineer to support and improve our aluminum extrusion manufacturing operations. This entry-level engineering role works cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, optimize production processes, improve equipment efficiency, and support continuous improvement initiatives.The Junior Manufacturing Engineer will gain hands-on experience with aluminum extrusion presses, tooling and dies, process parameters, material flow, and downstream manufacturing operations. This position is ideal for an early-career engineer looking to develop technical expertise while contributing to improvements in productivity, product quality, workplace safety, and overall operational performance.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesManufacturing Process SupportProvide engineering support for daily aluminum extrusion press operations and downstream manufacturing processes.Monitor production performance, extrusion parameters, cycle times, scrap rates, and overall equipment efficiency.Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements to equipment, workflows, and manufacturing methods.Assist in troubleshooting extrusion-related issues, including dimensional variations, surface defects, die performance, and material flow.Evaluate extrusion temperatures, press speeds, billet utilization, and other critical process parameters.Collaborate with production supervisors and operators to identify problems and implement effective solutions.Continuous Improvement and EngineeringParticipate in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.Support projects designed to reduce downtime, scrap, waste, production costs, and cycle times.Collect and analyze manufacturing data to identify performance trends and opportunities for improvement.Assist with engineering projects involving equipment upgrades, process modifications, and new technology implementation.Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process documentation, and other manufacturing records.Participate in equipment trials, process validation, new product introductions, and process optimization activities.Equipment and Technical SupportWork with Maintenance to identify recurring equipment issues, investigate failures, and support corrective actions.Assist in troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems associated with extrusion presses and related equipment.Support preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability improvement initiatives.Assist in evaluating tooling, extrusion dies, and production equipment to improve performance, consistency, and service life.Participate in equipment installation, commissioning, testing, and startup activities.Support the implementation of engineering solutions that improve equipment uptime, reliability, and production efficiency.Quality and SafetyCollaborate with Quality to investigate product defects, customer concerns, and manufacturing nonconformances.Assist with root cause investigations and the development and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).Support compliance with ISO 9001 quality management system requirements and internal quality procedures.Identify potential workplace hazards and recommend engineering controls or process improvements to reduce risk.Ensure engineering activities align with company safety policies and applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.Promote safe work practices, process consistency, quality awareness, and a culture of continuous improvement.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical systems, and production operations.Ability to collect, interpret, and analyze data to support engineering decisions.Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.Effective written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.Willingness to work on the manufacturing floor and learn hands-on manufacturing processes.Preferred QualificationsInternship, co-op, academic project, or previous work experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.Exposure to aluminum extrusion, metal forming, machining, or other metal manufacturing processes.Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, or other continuous improvement methodologies.Basic knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.Experience with manufacturing data analysis, process documentation, or technical reporting.Familiarity with CAD software, statistical analysis tools, or manufacturing execution systems (MES).General knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and OSHA safety requirements.Key CompetenciesTechnical curiosity and a willingness to learn.Structured problem-solving and root cause analysis.Data-driven decision-making.Continuous improvement mindset.Attention to detail and commitment to quality.Collaboration and effective communication.Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence.