Manufacturing Engineer

Chicago Rivet & Machine Co.; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with fastener background to join our Tyrone, PA area team.

The role focuses on developing, improving, and supporting production processes for fastener manufacturing while driving new product introductions and process optimization. You will collaborate with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to design tooling, optimize layouts, and implement lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering or equivalent fastener experience.
• 1–5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Develop, improve, and support manufacturing processes for fastener production.
• Lead new product introductions and pilot runs.
• Design tooling, fixtures, and equipment for production.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to optimize processes.
• Analyze data to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and raise quality.
• Support SPC, FMEA, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Create process documentation and standard work.
• Provide operator training and technical support on the floor.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position: Manufacturing Engineer - Fasteners

Location: Tyrone, PA (15 Minutes from Altoona, PA)

Compensation: Starting at $70,000 per year but negotiable based on Experience.

Bring your experience. Build your future.

Are you an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with Fastener experience looking for a company where you can put your skills to work and build a long-term career? At Chicago Rivet & Machine Co., we're looking for experienced professionals who take pride in their work and want the stability of an established manufacturing company. We’re in Tyrone, PA, just 15 minutes from Altoona.

With more than 100 years in the business, we're not just looking for someone to fill a position—we're looking for someone who wants to become part of our team for the long term. You’ll bring the knowledge and experience you've built in your career, and we'll provide the training you need to learn our equipment, processes, products, and way of doing things.

Whether you're looking for a place to put your existing skills to work, take on greater responsibility, or continue growing your career, Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. offers the opportunity to build something lasting.

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, improving, and supporting manufacturing processes for fastener production, as well as new product quotations and introduction. This role focuses on manufacturing process selection and development for new products, process optimization, tooling design, and quality enhancement. The engineer will drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure safe, effective, efficient, and high-quality operations. The ideal candidate will bring a strong critical thinking and problem-solving mindset, a bias for action, and a passion for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Quotations / Feasibility Review:

• Determine what materials, manufacturing process, and machine/resource groups are required to produce items requested for quotation or feasibility.
• Determine new tooling/equipment requirements and associated cost.
• Determine raw material (wire grade and size) recommended to meet customer specifications and match currently acquired material (where possible). Obtain cost of material for not-routinely purchased material.
• Obtain quotes for outside processing where needed.

New Product & Process Introduction:

• Collaborate with Engineering and Production teams to support the introduction of new fastener products and processes.
• Lead pilot runs, validate process performance, and ensure readiness for full-scale production.
• Create detailed documentation including process sheets, standard work, and SOPs.

Tooling & Equipment Development:

• Design and implement jigs, fixtures, tooling, and specialized machinery for fastener production.
• Collaborate with maintenance and external vendors on tooling and equipment upgrades or modifications.
• Specify and support the procurement of new equipment and manufacturing technologies.

Process Design & Optimization:

• Analyze current manufacturing processes for cold forming, machining, threading, plating, and heat treatment of fasteners.
• Identify opportunities for improving efficiency, reducing cost, and enhancing product quality.
• Develop and implement process improvements, including lean initiatives and automation solutions.
• Design and optimize production layouts, workflows, and work instructions.

Quality & Compliance:

• Work closely with Quality Control to ensure manufacturing processes meet product specifications and compliance standards.
• Support FMEA development, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action implementation.
• Monitor process capability and drive statistical process control (SPC) initiatives.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Collect and analyze data on process performance, downtime, scrap, and other key metrics.
• Prepare technical reports, cost justifications, and recommendations for process changes.
• Use data to support decision-making and process validation activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Safety teams to support plant operations and drive improvements.
• Provide technical support and training to operators and production staff.
• Stay up to date with advancements in fastener manufacturing technology and materials.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering; or in lieu of a degree has substantial career experience in the fastener industry with knowledge of cold-heading, secondary machining, heat-treating, plating and other finishing operations.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD).
• 1–5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, and industrial lubricants
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE)

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the general scope of the position. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.