Manufacturing Engineer

MAHLE Thermal and Filter Systems US; Murfreesboro (TN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

MAHLE Thermal and Filter Systems US in Murfreesboro, TN seeks an Manufacturing Engineering/Continuous Improvement Leader to drive process improvements, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and lead cross-functional teams. You will apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methods to enhance productivity, quality, scrap reduction, and OEE across plant operations.

The role requires a Bachelor's in engineering (Mechatronics preferred) with 5+ years automotive manufacturing experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required; Mechatronics Engineering preferred.
• Exposure to a manufacturing environment is required; automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience in development, installation, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement 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 (e.g., Keyence, Cognex).
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and tools (JIT, OEE, line sequencing, Kaizen).
• Proven ability to lead cost-effective solutions to manufacturing challenges.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and CAD; Power BI knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and provide technical expertise for process problems.
• Coordinate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Process Planning to achieve objectives.
• Troubleshoot equipment and defects; implement corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes, work instructions, and production standards.
• Develop new equipment and processes; design and optimize layouts, material flow, and ergonomics.
• Lead improvements to reduce scrap, improve productivity, and optimize OEE.
• Maintain PFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Standardized Work.
• Coordinate equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, and capability studies.
• Analyze production data and implement corrective actions for quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Support APQP, PPAP, and customer launch requirements.
• Lead root cause analyses using 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, and A3.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

PLC programming

Robot programming

GD&T

Vision systems

MES integration

OEE

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Mechatronics preferred

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Robot programming (Fanuc/Kuka)

Vision systems (Keyence/Cognex)

CAD software

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Our Offering

• We will provide a collaborative environment working on exciting assignments, along with ongoing personal & career development opportunities.

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

MAHLE is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment‑based non‑immigrant and immigrant visas. However, as a global company, MAHLE offers many job opportunities outside of USA which can be found through our employment website www.jobs.mahle.com

Do you have any questions? [e-mail]