Hands-On Manufacturing Engineer - Composites

SMI Composites, LLC; Comer (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SMI Composites, LLC is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support development, optimization, and continuous improvement of our composite manufacturing processes, tooling, and production systems. You will work hands-on on the shop floor with engineering, technicians, production, quality, and suppliers to translate designs into robust, repeatable processes.

The role emphasizes on-site problem solving, process validation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Strong mechanical fundamentals and manufacturing process knowledge.
• Ability to read drawings, GD&T and dimensional tolerancing.
• Experience with CAD software: AutoCAD, Siemens NX or SolidWorks.
• Experience in manufacturing, production, assembly, or similar environments.
• Structured root-cause analysis and problem solving.
• Familiarity with DOE, FMEA, 8D, 5-Why, SPC, and MSA.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Experience with gauges, testing equipment, and process monitoring.
• Strong communication, training, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, improve, and document composite manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, gauges, and assembly methods.
• Review drawings, specifications, tolerances, and GD&T for manufacturability.
• Use CAD software to create or modify parts, assemblies, fixtures, and manufacturing tooling.
• Create and maintain ECRs, One-Point Lessons, process specs, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria.
• Lead engineering trials, production launches, engineering changes, and process validation.
• Evaluate manufacturing methods, materials, equipment, and suppliers.
• Troubleshoot defects, dimensional issues, process variation, equipment problems, and assembly failures using structured root-cause analysis.
• Use data and engineering analysis to reduce scrap, rework, cycle time, cost, and variation.
• Apply SPC and measurement data to monitor stability, identify trends, and drive manufacturing improvements.
• Support capability studies, gauge R&R reviews, and validation of production measurement systems.
• Collaborate with production, technicians, operators, Quality Engineering, and suppliers to implement improvements.
• Train production personnel on new processes, tooling, work instructions, and engineering changes.

Skills

Root-cause analysis

Structured problem solving

Manufacturing processes

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

Job description

SMI Composites, LLC is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support development, optimization, and continuous improvement of our composite manufacturing processes, tooling, and production systems. You will work hands-on on the shop floor with engineering, technicians, production, quality, and suppliers to translate designs into robust, repeatable processes.

The role emphasizes on-site problem solving, process validation, and cross-functional collaboration.