Manufacturing Engineer

MAHLE GmbH; Murfreesboro (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

MAHLE GmbH in Murfreesboro, TN seeks an Manufacturing Engineering/Continuous Improvement Leader to drive Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives across plant operations. You will lead cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, analyze root causes, and implement sustainable improvements in productivity, quality, and costs.

You will develop processes, work instructions, PFMEAs, and control plans while coordinating with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Process Planning to meet customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; Mechatronics Engineering preferred.
• Exposure to a manufacturing environment is required; 5+ years of automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in development, installation, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement short- and long-term corrective actions.
• Basic PLC programming knowledge (Allen Bradley, Siemens); robot programming experience preferred (Fanuc, Kuka).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with machine vision systems (Keyence, Cognex).
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and tools, including JIT, OEE, line sequencing, and Kaizen.
• Proven ability to lead cost-effective solutions to manufacturing challenges.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and CAD software; Power BI knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to document engineering changes, process improvements, and results.
• Preferred Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification; MES systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and provide technical expertise solving process problems.
• Coordinate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Process Planning to achieve objectives.
• Troubleshoot equipment and defects; implement corrective actions quickly and effectively.
• Develop, implement, and maintain manufacturing processes, work instructions, and standards.
• Develop new equipment and processes, write equipment specifications.
• Design and optimize layouts, material flow, and workstation ergonomics.
• Lead improvement initiatives to reduce scrap, improve productivity, and enhance OEE.
• Develop PFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Standardized Work docs.
• Coordinate equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, and capability studies.
• Analyze production data and address quality, safety, and efficiency concerns.
• Support APQP, PPAP, and customer launch requirements.
• Lead root cause analyses using 8D/5 Why/Ishikawa/A3 methods.
• Collaborate with Process Planning during development and launch of new equipment/tools.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen-based improvements; assist in capital planning.
• Monitor labor utilization, cycle times, throughput, and manufacturing costs.
• Provide technical training to production personnel.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Root Cause Analysis

Leadership

Problem Solving

Process Improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Mechatronics Engineering preferred

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Fanuc robotics

Kuka robotics

CAD software

Machine Vision systems (Keyence/Cognex)

Power BI

Job description

Your Contribution

The Manufacturing Engineering/Continuous Improvement Leader is responsible for leading continuous improvement initiatives and serving as a technical resource for the identification, analysis, troubleshooting, and resolution of manufacturing process challenges. This role drives operational excellence by implementing process improvements that enhance productivity, quality, and overall manufacturing performance.

The position is accountable for improving key plant performance indicators, including productivity, quality, scrap reduction, defect rates, customer PPM, and manufacturing efficiency. Through the application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies, the role supports cost reduction objectives, optimizes processes, and ensures sustainable improvements across plant operations. The incumbent collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, execute improvement projects, and promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

This role is responsible to:

• Lead small groups focused on continuous improvements and provide technical expertise solving process problems.


• Coordinate and communicate with other departments (Production, Maintenance, Quality, Process Planning, etc). to achieve departmental and individual objectives.


• Troubleshoot equipment and part defects. Implement corrective actions quickly and effectively.


• Develop, implement, and maintain manufacturing processes, work instructions, and production standards.


• Develop new manufacturing equipment and processes, write equipment specifications.


• Design and optimize manufacturing layouts, material flow, and workstation ergonomics.


• Lead process improvement initiatives to reduce scrap, improve productivity, and optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).


• Develop and maintain PFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Standardized Work documentation.


• Coordinate equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, and capability studies.


• Analyze production data and implement corrective actions to address quality, safety, and efficiency concerns.


• Support APQP, PPAP, and customer launch requirements.


• Lead root cause analysis investigations using tools such as 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa Diagrams, and A3 problem-solving.


• Work with the Process Planning team during development and launch of new equipment, tooling, and processes.


• Drive continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.


• Assist in capital expenditure planning and justification for manufacturing equipment and process improvements.


• Monitor and improve labor utilization, cycle times, throughput, and manufacturing costs.


• Provide technical support and training to production personnel.

Your Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; Mechatronics Engineering preferred.


• Exposure to a manufacturing environment is required; 5+ years of automotive manufacturing experience preferred.


• Experience in the development, installation, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment and processes.


• Demonstrated ability to quickly troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement both short- and long-term corrective actions.


• Basic PLC programming knowledge required (Allen Bradley, Siemens); robot programming experience preferred (Fanuc, Kuka).


• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.


• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with machine vision systems is required (e.g., Keyence, Cognex).


• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and tools, including JIT, OEE, line sequencing, and Kaizen.


• Proven ability to lead and implement cost-effective solutions to manufacturing challenges.


• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and CAD software, Power BI knowledge is a plus.


• Ability to document engineering changes, process improvements, and associated results.


• Ability to follow established documentation, reporting, and change-management protocols.


• Preferred experience with automated assembly, welding, stamping, injection molding, machining, CAD software or other automotive manufacturing processes.


• Knowledge of robotics, vision systems, and industrial automation.


• Preferred Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification, MES systems.

#DiversityMatters with our inclusive culture, we welcome applications from all social, religious & ethnical backgrounds, disabilities both mental and physical, identities (gender) and neurodivergent people.

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