Manufacturing Engineer

Vogrinc Search Group; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vogrinc Search Group in Novi, MI is seeking a driven Manufacturing Engineer to establish and optimize manufacturing processes for a new division within a transportation security products leader.

The role blends hands-on engineering with production leadership, mentoring a growing assembly team, and driving Lean improvements, quality and productivity. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in engineering and proven experience in high-volume assembly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Experience in high-volume assembly environments with hands-on supervision.
• Strong knowledge of Lean and continuous improvement methods.
• Experience with PFMEA, process control plans, GD&T.
• Experience with data dashboards using Power BI or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve manual assembly processes and tooling.
• Lead daily production activities and train operators.
• Mentor assembly personnel and team leads.
• Monitor OEE, FPY, defect rates, and on-time delivery.
• Implement PFMEA improvements and process control plans.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain to resolve issues.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma Green Belt

Project leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering

Tools

Epicor ERP

Power BI

Quality management software

Job description

Seeking a driven Manufacturing Engineer for a newly formed division of an established industry leader in transportation security products. As the division's first dedicated Manufacturing Engineer, this position offers the opportunity to establish, develop, and continuously improve manufacturing processes and production operations as the business grows.

The role combines hands-on manufacturing engineering with direct production leadership, including mentoring and developing a small, growing assembly team. This individual will play a key role in establishing efficient, reliable production processes while driving quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve manual assembly processes, production workflows, tooling, and custom assembly fixtures.
• Lead daily production activities, including scheduling, operator training, performance management, and adherence to standard work and safety practices.
• Mentor and develop assembly personnel and team leads, establishing the processes and capabilities needed to support production growth.
• Establish, monitor, and improve manufacturing performance metrics, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), first-pass yield (FPY), defect rates, and on-time delivery (OTD).
• Develop and optimize in-line inspection and testing systems, including vision systems, electrical continuity testing, and final inspection. Implement PFMEA improvements and process control plans.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle-time reduction, line balancing, waste elimination, quality, and productivity.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and operator training programs.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to resolve production challenges and implement process and product improvements.
• Identify automation and/or equipment improvement opportunities, develop business cases, and lead implementation projects.

Requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or a related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated success in manufacturing or process engineering within a high-volume product assembly environment, including hands-on production supervision and operator development required.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and demonstrated success implementing process improvements. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus.
• Experience managing manufacturing KPIs and driving measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and delivery.
• Hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting in-line inspection systems, PFMEAs, and process control plans.
• Experience designing assembly fixtures and tooling, including working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and technical documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP systems (Epicor a plus), and quality management software. Experience developing production dashboards using Power BI and/or ERP software preferred.
• Experience with plant layout optimization, automation projects, capital equipment justification/ROI studies/implementation, and/or make-vs-buy recommendations a plus.