Manufacturing Engineer

Colonial Group; Watertown (SD); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design, optimize, and support manufacturing processes, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and scalability. This role develops production workflows, supports daily manufacturing operations, and leads continuous improvement initiatives on cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities include process development for new products, data‑driven improvements, DFM collaboration, equipment evaluation, time studies, and Lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree in manufacturing/industrial/mechanical engineering or related field.
• Strong analytical capabilities with data interpretation and data-driven decisions.
• Experience with process design or production engineering is preferred.
• Familiarity with lean, Six Sigma, SPC, and root-cause analysis tools.
• Hands-on experience on production floors is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes, workflows, and layouts to improve throughput and quality.
• Provide daily production support by troubleshooting process issues and resolving bottlenecks.
• Lead development activities for new products, including prototypes and pilot runs.
• Analyze production data to identify improvements, waste reduction, and efficiency gains.
• Develop and maintain process documentation such as PFMEAs, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Collaborate with design-for-manufacturing improvements and technical reviews.
• Evaluate and implement new equipment, automation, and tooling.
• Conduct time studies, capability analyses, and process validation activities.
• Support quality through root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Lead lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, standard work).
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory requirements, and internal quality systems.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to production teams and technicians.

Education

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical field

Tools

CAD tools

Process mapping software

Job description

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and supporting manufacturing processes to ensure safety, quality, efficiency, and scalability. This role develops production workflows, supports daily manufacturing operations, leads continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams to enhance product manufacturability.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes, workflows, and production layouts to improve throughput, quality, and cost.
• Provide daily manufacturing support by troubleshooting process issues, addressing production bottlenecks, and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead process development activities for new products, including prototype builds, pilot runs, and full‑scale production readiness.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for process improvement, waste reduction, and efficiency gains.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation such as process flow diagrams, PFMEAs, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Collaborate with product engineering on design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM) improvements and technical reviews.
• Evaluate and implement new equipment, automation, and tooling to enhance manufacturing capabilities.
• Conduct time studies, capability analyses, and process validation activities.
• Support quality by participating in root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement projects.
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen, standard work, and other process excellence tools.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to production teams and engineering technicians.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical field preferred.
• Experience in process design, process optimization, or production engineering.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and make data‑driven decisions.
• Proficiency in CAD tools, process modeling, or layout design software is preferred.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, and root‑cause analysis tools.
• Experience supporting production environments and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
• Strong communication skills; ability to effectively collaborate across engineering, production, and quality teams.
• Hands‑on approach with willingness to work on the production floor to resolve problems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work within manufacturing environments, including standing or walking for extended periods.
• Lift up to 40 lbs as needed.
• Use of PPE as required.