Manufacturing Engineer – Automation & Process Improvement

Detroit Manufacturing Systems; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Manufacturing Systems in Detroit, MI is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop assembly processes based on customer requirements, safety, quality, and cost objectives. You will manage new process implementations, select equipment, and estimate timelines.

You will lead automation considerations, support robotics, and drive continuous improvement through Lean, 5S, and Kaizen, using PFMEA, control plans, and standard work to reduce defects and waste.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronics) or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in manufacturing/automotive environments.
• Experience with automotive plastic assembly, ultrasonic welding, robotics.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Proficient with MS Office 365, MS Project, SharePoint and Teams.
• Ability to present complex information to management and customers.
• Experience estimating work elements using workflow, line balancing, OEE, and takt time.
• AutoCAD, PLC programming a plus.
• Budget and timing management for projects.
• Understand and improve documented manufacturing standards.
• Familiar with lifecycle programs from development to production.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and production methods.
• Provide daily technical support to production, troubleshooting process, equipment, tooling, automation, and quality issues.
• Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring production issues using 5-Why, Fishbone, 8D, PDCA.
• Develop, maintain, and improve PFMEAs, process flow diagrams, control plans, standardized work, and manufacturing documentation.
• Identify process risks and implement poka-yoke, detection and prevention controls to reduce defects.
• Analyze cycle time, downtime, OEE, throughput, and labor KPIs to drive improvements.
• Perform line balancing, capacity analysis, workstation optimization, and ergonomic assessments.
• Lead continuous improvement, Lean, Kaizen and 5S activities.
• Specify, develop, validate, and implement new equipment, tooling, fixtures, gauges and processes.
• Support automation and controls systems (PLCs, robots, vision systems, MES).
• Lead or support validation, run-at-rate, capability studies, trials, and production readiness.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, process changes, and equipment installations.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, IT, Product Engineering, suppliers and customers.
• Participate in APQP, PPAP, PFMEA reviews and launch readiness activities.
• Investigate and reduce scrap, rework, downtime and quality defects.
• Develop preventive and predictive solutions for recurring failures.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and safety standards.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Root Cause Analysis

Kaizen

Line Balancing

OEE optimization

Automation/Robotics

Capex justification

PFMEA

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Associates Degree with equivalent experience

Tools

AutoCAD

PLC Programming

MS Project

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Detroit Manufacturing Systems in Detroit, MI is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop assembly processes based on customer requirements, safety, quality, and cost objectives. You will manage new process implementations, select equipment, and estimate timelines.

You will lead automation considerations, support robotics, and drive continuous improvement through Lean, 5S, and Kaizen, using PFMEA, control plans, and standard work to reduce defects and waste.