Manufacturing Engineer

Apera; California; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer II to drive process improvements, standardization, and operational excellence within a growing US manufacturing environment. This role collaborates with production, quality, and leadership to enhance throughput, reduce waste, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have 4-7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead projects with little supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 4-7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Strong process improvement, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
• Experience with manufacturing documentation and standardization.
• Ability to work independently and lead projects.

Responsibilities

• Improve manufacturing processes to enhance quality, productivity, safety, and throughput.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot production issues and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Analyze production data and implement measurable process improvements.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop PFMEAs, control plans, and process validation documentation.
• Support new product introductions and capital equipment projects.
• Partner with Quality and Operations teams to drive sustainable improvements.

Skills

Process improvement

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Documentation standardization

Independent leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Job description

We're seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer II to drive process improvements, standardization, and operational excellence within a growing manufacturing environment. This highly visible role partners closely with production, quality, and leadership teams to improve efficiency, reduce waste, solve manufacturing challenges, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

My client recently underwent a major organizational restructuring after being acquired by a new private equity owner. Historically, many of their manufacturing sites have operated independently for years, with strong profitability and experienced leadership teams, but Continuous Improvement has not been a centralized focus across the organization.

As part of the private equity growth strategy, leadership wants to create a more formal operational excellence culture by investing in Lean Manufacturing, standardization, productivity improvements, and plant transformation initiatives. They believe there are significant opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, shorten lead times, improve changeovers, and create more scalable operating systems across the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Improve manufacturing processes to enhance quality, productivity, safety, and throughput
• Develop and maintain work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures
• Troubleshoot production issues and eliminate bottlenecks
• Analyze production data and implement measurable process improvements
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop PFMEAs, control plans, and process validation documentation
• Support new product introductions and capital equipment projects
• Partner with Quality and Operations teams to drive sustainable improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• 4-7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience
• Strong process improvement, troubleshooting, and analytical skills
• Experience with manufacturing documentation and standardization
• Ability to work independently and lead projects

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace, fastener, machining, metal-forming, or industrial manufacturing
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement
• Experience supporting small-to-mid-sized manufacturing operations

Why Apply?

• High-impact role with direct exposure to leadership
• Opportunity to build and improve manufacturing systems and processes
• Collaborative culture focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement

Short interview process as we are looking to hire ASAP.

Position adheres to ITAR/EAR restrictions - only apply if have USC or US Residency.