Manufacturing Engineer

Guided Search Partners; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Guided Search Partners is seeking an experienced engineer in Charlotte, NC, to optimize manufacturing processes in a hands-on role. This position involves leading continuous improvement projects and addressing real-time production challenges in a busy plant environment.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years of experience, particularly in injection molding. Strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in Excel are essential, as you'll work cross-functionally to enhance operational efficiency.

This role offers visibility and a chance to make a meaningful impact in a growing organization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Injection molding experience strongly preferred.
• Hands-on troubleshooting ability in a production setting.

Responsibilities

• Optimize manufacturing and injection molding processes for efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement projects and troubleshoot production issues.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety teams.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Continuous improvement

Cross-functional communication

Project management

Mechanical Engineering knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Excel

SolidWorks

Job description

Guided Search Partners

Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships. We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with an established manufacturer in the plastics space with deep roots, strong tenure, and a growing operation in Charlotte. This is a hands‑on engineering role supporting a 24/7 plant with 16 large‑tonnage presses producing waste carts, recycling carts, and totes. This opportunity is ideal for someone who likes being on the floor, solving real production challenges, and leading improvements that make a measurable difference. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, process optimization, and capital projects, this role offers visibility, variety, and the chance to make an impact in a growing environment.

What You’ll Do

Optimize manufacturing and injection molding processes to improve efficiency, throughput, quality, and machine performance. Lead continuous improvement projects, support troubleshooting, and help solve recurring production issues with practical, sustainable solutions. You’ll also lead trials, support capital projects, improve layouts and material flow, and partner closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety to keep the operation running safely and efficiently.

Who You Are

You are a floor-focused engineer who likes being in the operation, not behind a desk all day. You enjoy solving problems in real time, turning ideas into action, and bringing structure and follow‑through to improvement efforts. You work well across functions, communicate clearly, and understand how process performance connects directly to business results. You are hands‑on, practical, and motivated by making things work better.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Injection molding experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with continuous improvement and process optimization.
• Hands‑on troubleshooting ability in a production setting.
• Strong documentation, organizational, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Excel; SolidWorks experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross‑functionally.

Why This Role Matters

This role helps drive performance across a busy manufacturing operation. Your work will support process improvement, cost savings, troubleshooting, and capital investment decisions that improve output and efficiency. It is a strong opportunity for an engineer who wants visibility, meaningful project work, and the chance to be part of a company in growth mode where the work is hands‑on and the impact is real.