Lead Manufacturing Engineer

SMC Corporation; Noblesville (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SMC Corporation in Noblesville, Indiana seeks a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to design, implement, and optimize production processes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety.

You will lead a team of process engineers, manage cross‑functional projects, and drive continuous improvement while collaborating with QA, R&D, and production.

This role emphasizes strategic technical leadership and adoption of best practices to keep our manufacturing operations competitive.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience as a manufacturing engineer.
• Knowledge of the manufacturing processes and quality assurance.
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with relevant software tools and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in process engineering and guide junior engineers.
• Lead design, development and optimization of manufacturing processes for efficiency and safety.
• Oversee planning and execution of process engineering projects and cross-functional coordination.
• Communicate updates and information to stakeholders.
• Drive innovation and best practices within manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with QA, production, and R&D to ensure integration and quality.

Skills

Technical leadership

Process engineering

Cross‑functional leadership

Project management

Communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

PURPOSE

The purpose of a Lead Manufacturing Engineer is to design, implement, optimize, and troubleshoot manufacturing processes within the organization. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency, quality, and safety of production processes. A process engineer will oversee the entire lifecycle of manufacturing processes, from design and implementation to optimization and troubleshooting. This role is pivotal in ensuring the organization’s competitiveness, efficiency, and adherence to quality and safety standards. A Lead Process Engineer will provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and guidance to Manufacturing engineers fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Technical Leadership:

• Provide technical leadership and expertise in process engineering.
• Guide junior process engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

Process Optimization:

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Conduct detailed analyses of existing processes and implement improvements.

Project Management:

• Oversee the planning and execution of process engineering projects from conception to completion.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Communication:

• Communicate effectively within the department and with individuals associated with assigned tasks, using both verbal and written communication.
• Deliver verbal and/or written updates, task summaries, or information requests to relevant stakeholders during task execution.

Innovation and Best Practices:

• Drive innovation within the manufacturing processes, incorporating best practices and staying informed about industry advancements.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines, production, quality control, and R&D teams to ensure seamless integration of processes.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to support cross‑functional initiatives.

Quality Assurance:

• Work closely with the quality control team to implement and maintain robust quality assurance measures.
• Ensure that processes adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• All other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Fast‑paced Office Environment
• The job requires frequent standing, walking, and using hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls, as well as reaching with hands and arms. Employees will often need to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Being able to hear and speak clearly is also essential.

The work environment includes exposure to noise, heat, cold, dust, oil, coolant, and grease.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering discipline.
• 5 years of experience as a manufacturing engineer.
• Knowledge of the manufacturing processes, optimization techniques, and quality assurance.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead cross‑functional teams.
• Familiarity with relevant software tools and technologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in the English language.

Ability to deal with internal and external customers tactfully and in a professional manner.