Manufacturing Engineer

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid vacations

Job summary

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. in Portland, OR seeks a highly experienced Manufacturing Engineer to lead finishing and surface preparation across our lighting and hardware operations.

You will develop, optimize, and sustain industrial finishing processes for sprayed finishes, powder coating, polishing, and cleaning while ensuring safety and product quality. You will collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Product Development, and Supply Chain to qualify finishes, resolve production issues, and drive

Qualifications

• 10+ years of industrial finishing, coatings, or surface finishing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise with industrial spray finishing processes.
• Experience with single-component lacquers, catalyzed coating systems, and powder coating.
• Experience developing or optimizing polishing processes using manual buffing wheels, belt polishing equipment, and associated cleaning operations.
• Strong understanding of cosmetic quality standards and finish inspection methods.
• Experience establishing process parameters, work instructions, and quality standards.
• Experience troubleshooting coating and polishing defects.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for all finishing and surface preparation processes.
• Develop and optimize finishing processes for new and existing products.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing facilities to resolve coating and polishing issues.
• Work directly with coating suppliers to evaluate new materials and improve process capability.
• Establish process parameters and manufacturing standards for sprayed finishes, powder coating, polishing, and cleaning operations.
• Support incoming, in-process, and final inspection standards.
• Investigate finish‑related quality issues using structured root cause analysis.
• Develop documentation including process specifications, work instructions, PFMEAs, control plans, and operator training materials.
• Partner with Product Development during new product introduction to ensure finishes are manufacturable and repeatable.

Skills

Industrial finishing

Spray finishing

Coatings

Polishing

Quality standards

Process parameters

Troubleshooting defects

Process improvement

Tools

Buffing wheels

Belt polishing equipment

Polishing equipment

Job description

Job Description

Finishing Process Engineer/Manufacturing Engineer

About The Team

You will be part of the Manufacturing Engineering team supporting production of lighting and hardware components in our Portland factory. Our job is to ensure the product is processed through the factory safely and efficiently, while maintaining the high quality and beautiful aesthetic that defines our brand.

About the Role

The Manufacturing Engineer serves as the technical authority for all surface finishing and polishing processes within the lighting manufacturing operation. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting industrial finishing processes including sprayed finishes, powder coating, polishing, and cleaning operations to ensure consistent product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and safety.

The position partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Product Development, Supply Chain, and factory teams to qualify new finishes, resolve production issues, establish quality standards, and lead investments in finishing equipment and processes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for all finishing and surface preparation processes.
• Develop and optimize finishing processes for new and existing products.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing facilities to resolve coating and polishing issues.
• Work directly with coating suppliers to evaluate new materials and improve process capability.
• Establish process parameters and manufacturing standards for sprayed finishes, powder coating, polishing, and cleaning operations.
• Support incoming, in-process, and final inspection standards.
• Investigate finish‑related quality issues using structured root cause analysis.
• Develop documentation including process specifications, work instructions, PFMEAs, control plans, and operator training materials.
• Partner with Product Development during new product introduction to ensure finishes are manufacturable and repeatable.

Criteria

• 10+ years of industrial finishing, coatings, or surface finishing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise with industrial spray finishing processes.
• Experience with single‑component lacquers, catalyzed coating systems, and powder coating.
• Experience developing or optimizing polishing processes using manual buffing wheels, belt polishing equipment, and associated cleaning operations.
• Strong understanding of cosmetic quality standards and finish inspection methods.
• Experience establishing process parameters, work instructions, and quality standards.
• Experience troubleshooting coating and polishing defects.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives in manufacturing.

Our Culture & Values

We Believe That Taking Care Of Our People Is Vital To Our Success And We Strive To Offer Equitable And Transparent Practices For All. We Prioritize Connection, Growth, And Wellbeing. Our Associates Are Encouraged To Bring Their Authentic Selves To Work, So They Can Be Their Best And Achieve Their Personal And Professional Goals. We Make Inclusivity a Cornerstone Of Our Culture By Welcoming Associates With Diverse Cultures And Backgrounds And Celebrating Them Together. We Nurture An Open, Inclusive Environment For All. Our Differences, Whatever They May Be—are Valued, Explored, And Appreciated. Together, We’re Creating a More Just And Inclusive Company Culture Where The Only Criteria For Advancement Are

• The quality of our work
• The contributions we make to our teams and the business
• Our ability to lead and connect

We firmly believe that working in a culture focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spurs innovation, creates healthy and high-performing teams, and delivers superior customer experiences. Outside of WSI, we recognize the importance of playing a part in our communities through partnerships, collaborations, and commitments to a more just and inclusive world.

People First

Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available.

Benefits

• A generous discount on all WSI brands
• A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities
• Paid vacations and personal time.
• Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same‑sex domestic partner benefits
• Tax‑free commuter benefits
• A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health

Continued Learning

• In‑person and online learning opportunities through WSI University
• Cross‑brand and cross‑function career opportunities
• Resources for self‑development
• Advisor (Mentor) program
• Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment‑based immigration).

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.