Lead Manufacturing Engineer

QuikCut, LLC; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

QuikCut, LLC in Fort Wayne, IN is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to drive the Manufacturing Engineering team and elevate operations through strong technical leadership and a focus on continuous improvement.

You will lead process improvements across laser cutting, plasma cutting, waterjet, punching, forming, welding, and finishing, and partner with operations, quality, and project management to deliver scalable manufacturing solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering or related field
• 3+ years in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or continuous improvement
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills
• Excellent communication with shop-floor associates and leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop an expanding Manufacturing Engineering team.
• Improve manufacturing processes to increase productivity, throughput, and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement with Lean initiatives to reduce waste and streamline production.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Analyze labor utilization, cycle times, scrap, and material flow for cost-saving opportunities.
• Support operations across laser cutting, plasma cutting, waterjet, turret punching, forming, welding, assembly, and finishing.
• Evaluate opportunities for automation, tooling, and equipment investments.
• Standardize best practices and production standards across locations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transition projects into production.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

QuikCut, LLC | Metal Fabrication & Manufacturing

Help Shape the Future of Manufacturing at QuikCut!

Are you an experienced Manufacturing Engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, improving processes, and leading meaningful change? Do you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where your ideas can make a measurable impact?

QuikCut, LLC is seeking a driven, hands-on Lead Manufacturing Engineer to lead our growing Manufacturing Engineering team and help take our operations to the next level.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who combines strong technical expertise with leadership ability and a passion for continuous improvement. You'll play a critical role in improving efficiency, reducing costs, strengthening quality, and developing scalable manufacturing processes across our operations.

As our Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you'll work closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Project Management, and Production teams to identify challenges, develop solutions, and drive sustainable improvements.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and Develop: Provide leadership, direction, and technical guidance to our expanding Manufacturing Engineering team.
• Improve Manufacturing Processes: Identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity, throughput, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Partner with our Lean Facilitator to implement innovative solutions, eliminate waste, and streamline production processes.
• Solve Problems: Work directly with production teams to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, identify root causes, and implement lasting corrective actions.
• Optimize Costs: Analyze labor utilization, cycle times, scrap, and material flow to identify and execute cost‑saving opportunities.
• Support Manufacturing Operations: Improve processes across laser cutting, plasma cutting, waterjet, turret punching, forming, welding, assembly, blasting, and finishing.
• Advance Technology: Evaluate opportunities for automation, tooling improvements, equipment investments, and more efficient manufacturing methods.
• Standardize Best Practices: Develop and implement consistent manufacturing processes, work instructions, and production standards across multiple locations.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with Operations, Engineering, Project Management, and Quality to ensure new projects transition successfully into production.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or continuous improvement experience.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production workflows, and process optimization.
• Demonstrated success improving productivity, reducing costs, and solving manufacturing challenges.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both shop‑floor associates and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in metal fabrication, welding, machining, forming, or related manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; M1 experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD software.
• Experience with manufacturing fixtures, tooling, automation, or capital equipment projects.
• Experience developing labor standards, evaluating manufacturing costs, and improving production capacity.
• Previous experience leading projects, mentoring engineers, or developing technical teams.

At QuikCut, this isn't a position where you'll simply maintain existing processes. You'll have the opportunity to build, improve, and influence how we manufacture.

You'll be joining a growing organization that values fresh ideas, practical solutions, and people who take ownership of results.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead and help develop an expanding engineering team.
• Make a direct impact on manufacturing performance and profitability.
• Work with a wide variety of fabrication processes and technologies.
• Collaborate directly with operational leadership on strategic improvements.
• Help shape standardized processes and best practices as QuikCut continues to grow.
• See the measurable results of your work on the production floor.

Our Core Values

At QuikCut, how we work is just as important as what we accomplish.

Built with Integrity — We do the right thing, take ownership, and lead with honesty and accountability.

Driven for Success — We challenge the status quo, embrace improvement, and take action to achieve results.

Focused on Partnerships — We believe strong relationships, teamwork, and collaboration are essential to our success.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're a technically strong, solutions-oriented engineer who enjoys leading people, improving processes, and helping a growing manufacturing organization succeed, we want to hear from you.

Join QuikCut, LLC and help us bring our customers' projects to life.

QuikCut, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.