Manufacturing Engineer - Durham, NC

Socket.dev; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Flexible spending accounts

Wellness program

Employee Referral Program

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

PowerSecure, a Southern Company subsidiary, is hiring a Manufacturing Engineer II to drive MoM improvements, Lean initiatives, and standardized work instructions in a hybrid Durham, NC facility.

You will collaborate across functions to ensure designs are manufacturable, lead 5S, time studies, layout optimization, BOM support, and Kanban improvements while advancing a lean culture and cross-training on automation integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial or Mechanical preferred)
• 4+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Lean/Continuous Improvement experience; Green Belt certification preferred
• Experience in assembly of generator sets, switchgear, and/or metal fabrication equipment preferred
• Strong problem-solving skills using engineering principles and techniques
• Hands-on production shop floor experience
• Effective communication skills, especially when resolving assembly issues with production teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CAD systems, data analysis, and database tools
• Experience with facility layout design using AutoCAD
• Basic understanding of ERP systems (IFS preferred)
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, 3D models, specification sheets, and shop orders
• Solid understanding of flow diagrams, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), PFMEAs, and layout design
• Results-driven, with the ability to build strong relationships and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Self-starter with a strong sense of urgency and ownership
• Understanding of integrating automation and AI into manufacturing processes
• Basic knowledge of G-code

Responsibilities

• Collaborate cross-functionally across departments to support operational goals
• Lead shop floor 5S initiatives
• Develop and improve processes, including Standard Work, SOPs, work instructions, and flowcharts
• Analyze data to identify waste and process bottlenecks
• Lead Lean activities such as Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and process mapping
• Design and optimize work center layouts to improve use of space, materials, personnel, and equipment
• Support Bill of Materials (BOM) setup, including product structure and routings
• Maintain and update facility layouts in CAD to reflect improvements, relocations, and growth
• Conduct time studies and observations as needed
• Perform capacity analysis and drive material flow improvements (e.g., pacing charts, methods of manufacturing)
• Partner with Material Planning to enhance material flow (e.g., Kanban, point-of use storage)
• Collaborate with METs on product improvements, including DFMA, machine capabilities, tooling aids, and poka-yoke solutions
• Provide hands-on support to the shop floor on manufacturing processes
• Develop solutions and recommendations for leadership to address manufacturing challenges
• Promote and reinforce a Lean manufacturing culture
• Design and develop tools and equipment to improve process efficiency
• Nest parts for fabrication equipment such as lasers, water jets, and copper punch machines

Skills

Lean mindset

Problem solving

Communication skills

Self-starter

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

CAD systems

IFS ERP

Microsoft Office

Data analysis tools

Job description

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer II (MEII) is responsible for ensuring efficient Methods of Manufacture (MoM’s), Lean Manufacturing improvements and Standardized Work Instructions are implemented. It aims to enable a fast response to BOM, design, lean improvements initiatives or problems that impede assembly operations. Collaborate to ensure that designs are manufacturable to the required specs and work with the facilities layout. The MEII promotes a lean manufacturing culture and works on improving the efficiency of processes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial or Mechanical preferred)
• 4+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with Lean/Continuous Improvement; Green Belt certification
  preferred
• Experience in assembly of generator sets, switchgear, and/or metal fabrication equipment preferred (discrete manufacturing experience highly desired)
• Strong problem-solving skills using engineering principles and techniques
• Hands-on production shop floor experience
• Effective communication skills, especially when resolving assembly issues with production teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CAD systems, data analysis, and database tools
• Experience with facility layout design using AutoCAD
• Basic understanding of ERP systems (IFS preferred)
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, 3D models, specification sheets, and shop orders
• Solid understanding of flow diagrams, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), PFMEAs, and layout design
• Results-driven, with the ability to build strong relationships and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Self-starter with a strong sense of urgency and ownership
• Understanding of integrating automation and AI into manufacturing processes
• Basic knowledge of G-code

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate cross-functionally across departments to support operational goals
• Lead shop floor 5S initiatives
• Develop and improve processes, including Standard Work, SOPs, work
  instructions, and flowcharts
• Analyze data to identify waste and process bottlenecks
• Lead Lean activities such as Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and process mapping
• Design and optimize work center layouts to improve use of space, materials, personnel, and equipment
• Support Bill of Materials (BOM) setup, including product structure and routings
• Maintain and update facility layouts in CAD to reflect improvements, relocations, and growth
• Conduct time studies and observations as needed
• Perform capacity analysis and drive material flow improvements (e.g., pacing charts, methods of manufacturing)
• Partner with Material Planning to enhance material flow (e.g., Kanban, point-of use storage)
• Collaborate with METs on product improvements, including DFMA, machine capabilities, tooling aids, and poka-yoke solutions
• Provide hands-on support to the shop floor on manufacturing processes
• Develop solutions and recommendations for leadership to address manufacturing challenges
• Promote and reinforce a Lean manufacturing culture
• Design and develop tools and equipment to improve process efficiency
• Nest parts for fabrication equipment such as lasers, water jets, and copper punch machines

Working Conditions

• This position is [hybrid, on-site].
• Occasional travel may be required for training or meetings.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate different time zones
  (Central/Eastern/Mountain/Pacific), if necessary.
• Be flexible for after-hours tasks, as needed.

About Us

PowerSecure, a Southern Company subsidiary, is a leading provider of innovative energy solutions to electric utilities and their industrial, institutional, and commercial customers.

Join Our Power Team!

We invest in high-value and cost-effective benefits for our employees. Our benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage
• Competitive pay and a matching 401 (k) plan
• Vacation, Company Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO- personal and sick days)
• Flexible spending accounts/Health savings account
• Wellness Incentive Programs
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time, based on business needs.

PowerSecure is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.