Manufacturing Engineer

GRIT STAFFING; Passaic (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GRIT Staffing & HR Solutions seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to analyze and improve manufacturing processes on the production floor. The role emphasizes ownership, proactive problem solving, and collaboration across production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams.

The ideal candidate will have a hands-on approach, strong CAD experience (SolidWorks), and a background in food manufacturing, packaging, or consumer products, with demonstrated project management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of CAD experience, including SolidWorks.
• Experience in food manufacturing, packaging, or consumer products.

Responsibilities

• Improve manufacturing processes to boost productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives to reduce waste.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Support equipment and process improvements and new technology development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement new products and processes.
• Coordinate engineering projects, manage timelines and resources.

Job description

Role Overview:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for analyzing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes to increase productivity, reduce costs, improve product quality, and support operational excellence. This role works closely with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective manufacturing solutions.

This is a highly hands-on engineering role requiring an independent and proactive professional who can take ownership of projects, identify operational challenges, and implement solutions with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate must be comfortable working directly on the production floor, taking initiative, and driving improvements without requiring constant direction.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant CAD experience, including SolidWorks.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing, packaging, or consumer products required.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Project management experience required, including managing multiple engineering initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience supporting new technology development, product development, and manufacturing innovation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and production optimization.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis, corrective actions, and process validation techniques.
• Experience working with equipment improvements, process optimization, and production line enhancements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, vendors, and leadership teams.

Personal Attributes / Skills:

• Highly independent and self-motivated, capable of working with minimal supervision.
• Proactive problem-solver who takes initiative rather than waiting for instructions.
• Hands-on approach with a strong willingness to work directly on the production floor and address equipment and process challenges.
• Takes ownership of projects and follows through from identifying problems to implementing solutions.
• Strong analytical mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
• Innovative and resourceful when developing manufacturing technologies and engineering solutions.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Results-oriented, capable of managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Committed to operational excellence, quality, and workplace safety.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout manufacturing and production areas.
• Significant time spent on the production floor supporting equipment and process improvements.
• Working around active manufacturing equipment and industrial machinery.
• Occasional lifting of engineering tools, equipment, or materials as required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Improve Manufacturing Processes: Analyze manufacturing operations and identify opportunities to increase productivity, improve quality, reduce costs, and optimize production efficiency.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Develop and implement Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve operational performance.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis: Investigate manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Support Equipment & Process Improvements: Participate in new equipment installations, process validations, production line improvements, and equipment optimization projects.
• Support Product Development: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, test, and implement new products and manufacturing processes.
• Drive Innovation: Research, evaluate, and implement new manufacturing technologies, equipment, and engineering solutions.
• Improve Equipment Reliability: Work closely with production and maintenance teams to improve equipment uptime and coordinate preventive maintenance activities.
• Manage Engineering Projects: Lead engineering projects from planning through execution, coordinating resources, timelines, budgets, and project specifications.
• Develop Manufacturing Solutions: Research, design, modify, test, and implement manufacturing methods, equipment improvements, and process enhancements.
• Collaborate with Vendors & Operations: Work with equipment vendors, operators, production, and maintenance teams to improve manufacturing performance.
• Provide Technical Guidance: Train and guide technicians while supporting engineering project execution and the implementation of best practices.
• Maintain Technical Expertise: Stay current with engineering technologies, manufacturing trends, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

GRIT Staffing & HR Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail] so we can assist you.