Manufacturing Engineer

Tenneco; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenneco in Blacksburg, VA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to apply lean principles and engineering expertise to establish and improve high‑volume automotive processes. You will partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, CI and Operations to boost safety, productivity, quality, and cost performance.

You will provide hands‑on process improvements, support new product launches, automation initiatives, and capital projects, while mentoring staff and driving a culture of accountability and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in high-volume environments.
• Experience leading projects and implementing process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and continuously improve manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, productivity.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Manage capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Support Lean initiatives including 5S, Kaizen, and visual management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet plant objectives.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLC programming

Robotics

Machine vision

Industrial controls

Job description

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for applying engineering principles, lean manufacturing techniques, and analytical problem-solving methods to establish, maintain, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, equipment, and product quality. This position works closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Continuous Improvement, and Operations teams to improve safety, productivity, quality, and cost performance while supporting customer requirements and plant objectives.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for applying engineering principles, lean manufacturing techniques, and analytical problem-solving methods to establish, maintain, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, equipment, and product quality. This position works closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Continuous Improvement, and Operations teams to improve safety, productivity, quality, and cost performance while supporting customer requirements and plant objectives.

The Manufacturing Engineer provides hands‑on support to production operations and serves as a technical resource for process improvements, new product launches, automation initiatives, capital projects, and troubleshooting activities within a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Manufacturing & Process Improvement

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing issues involving tooling, equipment, materials, and production processes.
• Analyze workflow, labor utilization, machine capacity, and facility layouts to maximize operational efficiency.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions related to quality, process, and equipment concerns.
• Establish and maintain process documentation, standard work instructions, PFMEAs, control plans, and process flow diagrams.
• Support and drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen, visual management, waste reduction, and continuous improvement activities.
• Evaluate manufacturing feasibility for new products and process changes.

Equipment & Technical Support

• Provide technical support for production equipment, automation systems, robotics, PLCs, vision systems, coating operations, molding processes, and assembly equipment.
• Assist in troubleshooting production equipment to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Recommend and implement equipment, tooling, and process modifications.
• Coordinate equipment installations, process validations, and production launches.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives.

Project Management

• Assist in developing and managing capital and expense budgets for manufacturing improvements.
• Lead assigned capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Support plant cost reduction initiatives through productivity improvements and waste elimination.
• Estimate production rates, tooling requirements, setup costs, and manufacturing costs for new products and processes.

Training & Leadership

• Train employees and technical personnel on equipment setup, operating procedures, safety requirements, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Provide leadership and guidance during continuous improvement initiatives and project implementation.
• Work cross‑functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and CI teams to achieve plant objectives.
• Demonstrate leadership characteristics and promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Tenneco safety policies and procedures.
• Actively promote a safe work environment and identify opportunities to reduce workplace hazards.
• Support compliance with customer requirements, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, CQI standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Exercise authority to stop any activity that presents a safety risk or violates company policies.
• Participate in safety investigations, audits, and corrective action activities.

Education

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Preferred

• Advanced certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Automation, or Project Management.

Experience

Required

• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience with process improvement, equipment troubleshooting, and manufacturing optimization.
• Experience leading projects and implementing process improvements.

Preferred

• Automotive manufacturing experience.
• Experience with PLC programming, robotics, welding, automation, machine vision, or industrial controls.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and practical application.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing‑related software systems.
• Knowledge of process capability, statistical analysis, SPC, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Demonstrated sense of urgency and results‑oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk on the manufacturing floor for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and reaching while performing engineering and troubleshooting activities.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to work around moving machinery, material handling equipment, automated systems, and industrial manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel‑toed shoes, gloves, and other required safety equipment.
• Visual ability to inspect products, review engineering drawings, operate equipment controls, and perform detailed analysis.
• Manual dexterity required to operate computers, measuring devices, hand tools, and manufacturing equipment controls.

Work Environment

• High‑volume automotive manufacturing environment.
• Regular exposure to heat, noise, vibration, dust, and moving mechanical equipment.
• Combination of office and production floor work.
• Occasional off‑shift and weekend support may be required to support manufacturing operations, equipment installations, and production launches.

Tenneco is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and productive workplace for all employees.