Manufacturing Engineer

Orion Castings; Maple Lake (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Castings is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead CNC machining and die casting process improvements. You will optimize parameters, monitor performance, and drive OEE gains across casting and machining operations.

You will collaborate cross-functionally with tooling, maintenance, and product engineering teams to support new product launches and cost-reduction initiatives while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field and 3–5 years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of process optimization, tooling, and automated environments.
• Experience supporting CNC milling, turning, workholding, and tooling optimization.
• Foundational understanding of CP analysis, GD&T, SPC, and root-cause analysis.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with PFMEAs, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, setup sheets, and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of CNC machining processes to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Establish robust process parameters for CNC centers, tooling, and secondary operations.
• Optimize feeds, speeds, tooling strategies, coolant, and cycle times.
• Monitor process performance using statistical methods and data-driven decisions.
• Drive OEE, throughput, and machine utilization improvements; reduce scrap and downtime.
• Support standardization of practices to improve dimensional consistency and uptime.
• Provide technical coaching on die casting and CNC machining to operations teams.
• Lead manufacturing activities for new product introductions from prototype to production.
• Coordinate APQP activities including PFMEA, control plans, process flows, and work instructions.
• Review tooling and fixture designs for manufacturability and efficiency.
• Participate in DF(M) reviews and cost-reduction initiatives for existing products.
• Collaborate with tooling, maintenance, and automation teams to improve equipment reliability.

Skills

Manufacturing process optimization

Tooling systems

Automated production environments

CNC machining operations

Process capability analysis

GD&T

SPC

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related technical discipline

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Fixture design

ERP

MES

Robotics

PLC systems

Job description

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for leading manufacturing engineering activities across precision CNC machining operations and or Diecast casting. This role drives process optimization, equipment performance, tooling improvements, machining efficiency, automation integration, and successful new product launches while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.

The Manufacturing Engineer serves as a technical expert and strategic partner to operations, quality, maintenance, tooling, programming, and product engineering teams to support operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives throughout both casting and machining manufacturing processes.

Manufacturing Process Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of CNC machining manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
• Establish and maintain robust process parameters for CNC machining centers, auxiliary equipment, and secondary operations.
• Optimize machining parameters including feeds, speeds, tooling strategies, coolant applications, and cycle time performance.
• Monitor and analyze manufacturing process performance using statistical methods and data-driven decision-making techniques.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), throughput, machine utilization, and process repeatability.
• Support standardization of manufacturing practices to reduce scrap, improve dimensional consistency, and increase operational uptime.
• Serve as a technical resource for operations personnel, providing coaching and support related to die casting and CNC machining processes, tooling, and best practices.

New Product Introduction

• Lead manufacturing activities associated with new product launches from prototype through full production.
• 3D and 2D modeling of new and existing tooling designs
• Coordinate APQP activities including PFMEA development, control plans, process flow diagrams, setup documentation, and work instructions.
• Tooling and fixture design reviews to ensure manufacturability, machining capability, and process efficiency.
• Participate in design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews and support cost reduction initiatives for new and existing products.

Tooling, Equipment, and Process Optimization

• Collaborate with tooling suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve die design, die life, workholding systems, fixture designs, cooling systems, venting strategies, and cutting tool performance.
• Support CNC machining optimization initiatives including setup reduction, tool improvements, and machining cycle time reductions.
• Support equipment specification, procurement, installation, and commissioning activities for new and existing production assets including die casting cells, CNC machining centers, robotics, and automation systems.
• Partner with maintenance and automation teams to improve equipment reliability, preventive maintenance programs, and process control systems.
• Evaluate and implement automation opportunities including robotic material handling, in-process inspection systems, probing technologies, and palletized machining systems.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives focused on scrap reduction, cycle time improvements, productivity enhancements, and cost savings.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions to address quality concerns, tooling failures, downtime issues, and operational inefficiencies.
• Facilitate kaizen events and cross-functional problem-solving activities across operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to machine uptime, tooling consumption, labor efficiency, and process capability improvements.

Safety and Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture with emphasis on molten metal handling, machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, coolant management, and safe machining practices.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in risk assessments and implement safeguards to minimize operational risk throughout casting and machining operations.
• Support ergonomic and safety improvements related to setups, tooling changes, material handling, and automation systems.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing engineering experience within machining, casting, or metal manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing process optimization, tooling systems, and automated production environments.
• Experience supporting CNC machining operations including milling, turning, workholding, cutting tools, and machining process optimization.
• Strong understanding of process capability analysis, GD&T, statistical process control (SPC), and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with manufacturing documentation including PFMEAs, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, setup sheets, and work instructions.
• Excellent communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with CNC machining operations or high-pressure die casting processes
• Experience with multi-axis CNC machining centers and automated manufacturing cells.
• Knowledge of cutting tool technologies, tool life optimization, die casting tooling systems, and advanced manufacturing strategies.
• Familiarity with robotics, PLC-controlled systems, industrial automation, and process monitoring systems.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software and fixture design.
• Lean Manufacturing certification and/or Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with ERP and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Project management experience involving capital equipment and facility expansions.
• Experience working with aluminum, magnesium, steel, stainless steel, or other precision-machined materials.