Manufacturing Engineer - 2nd Shift

Summit Polymers; Sturgis (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Polymers in Sturgis, MI is seeking an Engineer, Manufacturing (Assembly) to lead the hands-on integration of injection molded interior parts. You will drive manufacturability, develop standardized work, and oversee machine design reviews and validation runs for assembly equipment.

The role requires strong PLC programming, robotics experience with Fanuc/UR, SolidWorks proficiency, and the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams to meet aggressive schedules and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience (5+ years in automotive manufacturing can substitute).
• Proficiency in Omron PLC programming and reading electrical/pneumatic prints.
• Experience with SolidWorks/VisMockup and robotics for assembly systems.
• Knowledge of plastic welding processes (sonic, vibration, hot plate, IR).
• Strong problem solving, communication, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead assembly machine activities for new product launches and process improvements.
• Specify robust, ergonomic assembly machines and standardized work methods.
• Develop and validate assembly cell layouts, machine quotes, and capacity analyses.
• Prepare detailed work instructions and support preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure manufacturability and quality.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and justify process improvement projects.

Skills

Omron PLC programming

Six axis robot & cobot programming

SolidWorks

UR/Fanuc robotics knowledge

Reading electrical & pneumatic prints

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

VisMockup

Six axis robot programming

UR/Fanuc cobots

Job description

P03 - Sturgis, 1211 Progress St, Sturgis, Michigan, United States of America

Job Description

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.

JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU’LL BE CHALLENGED AND valued.

A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don’t just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We’re always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service and quality.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Engineer, Manufacturing (Assembly) FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing)

SUMMARY

This is hands on technical work involving the assembly of injection molded plastic parts for automotive interior trim, full center consoles, and kinetic parts including air conditioning outlets, cup holders, glove boxes and bins. Provide technical support and leadership to manufacturing production teams with a focus on operational excellence each and every day.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Responsible for all assembly machine activities associated with new product launches including:
• Participating with the product development team and corporate manufacturing technical leaders to:
• Ensure products are designed for manufacturability and quality.
• Specify robust assembly machines that include effective error proofing, good ergonomics, and facilitate efficient standardized work.
• Provide feedback to the corporate manufacturing technical leaders to improve assembly machine standards.
• Working with the corporate manufacturing technical leaders to develop standardized work, machine quote specification sheets, capacity analysis, work balance tables, and assembly cell layouts from NBA thru end of program.
• Participate in all machine design review meetings.
• Monitor progress of assembly machine construction to ensure program and plant required timing is met.
• Participate in machine review and validation runs of assembly equipment prior to shipment to manufacturing plant.
• Working with corporate packaging engineers and packaging suppliers to develop exeternal packaging and internal work in process packaging that ensures safe, defect-free transportation to subsequent operations and the customer.
• Work with the SLMS engineer (lean manufacturing) to develop flow racks for the assembly cell.
• Write standardized work instructions so operators can perform work safely, with the proper quality, and in the proper time.
• Lead and perform engineering changes to assembly machines from an electrical, pneumatic, servo motor controls, PLC, machining, and sensor & vision system perspective.
• Assist maintenance with developing effective preventative maintenance schedule.
• Responsible for supporting manufacturing for assembly machines and cells in production.
• Support the production team in increasing efficiency, quality, and safety through use of standardardized work tools (element cycle time studies, standardized work charts and combination tables, work balance tables), practical problem solving methods and kaizen improvement opportunities.
• Troubleshoot process or equipment-related problems and provide solutions in a timely manner.
• Develop justifications for various process improvement projects.
• Conduct process audits to ensure standardized work and quality system compliance in assembly.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar technical discipline OR 5 years of experience in an automotive manufacturing or assembly machine supplier environment may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Proficiency in Omron PLC programming.
• Basic machine shop skills and ability to fabricate simple components.
• Ability to read electrical and pneumatic prints.
• Ability to view assembly machines in software such as SolidWorks eDrawing, to cut sections & measure dimensions.
• Knowledge of plastic welding processes for injection molded parts including – sonic welding, vibration welding, hot plate welding, IR welding.
• Knowledge of secondary decoration process including – hot stamping, pad printing, laser etching, laser marking, etc.
• Knowledge of and ability to use a variety of sensors and vision systems to create a robust assembly machine and process.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Independent thinking with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Flexible and able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Preferred experienced in:
  • SolidWorks
  • VisMockup
  • Six axis robot and cobot programming – Fanuc and UR

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.

• A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically does not require any travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.

P03 - Sturgis, 1211 Progress St, Sturgis, Michigan, United States of America