Manufacturing Engineer - Entry Level | $80k starting salary (52724)

BRT EXTRUSIONS INC; Niles (OH); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) participation

Job summary

BRT Extrusions in Niles, Ohio is seeking a Junior Manufacturing Engineer to join our hands-on, floor-based team. You will work on aluminum extrusion presses, troubleshoot processes, and drive improvements in productivity, quality, safety, and efficiency.

The role offers early-career engineering exposure, collaboration with experienced professionals, and opportunities to implement practical solutions across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and process documentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for aluminum extrusion presses and downstream manufacturing operations.
• Evaluate production processes, cycle times, scrap rates, equipment performance, and overall efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing methods, workflows, productivity, and product quality.
• Help troubleshoot manufacturing challenges involving dimensional variations, surface defects, tooling performance, and material flow.
• Work directly with production supervisors and operators to identify problems and implement effective solutions.
• Support process optimization through the evaluation of extrusion temperatures, press speeds, billet utilization, and other key operating parameters.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Technical drawing interpretation

CAD familiarity

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: NILES, OH 44446, Education Level: Graduate Degree, BRT Extrusions | Niles, Ohio

Are you an engineer who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and seeing your ideas make a real difference? BRT Extrusions is looking for a motivated Junior Manufacturing Engineer to join our growing team and help drive improvements throughout our aluminum extrusion manufacturing operations.

This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career engineer to build hands-on manufacturing experience, work alongside experienced engineering and production professionals, and take part in projects that directly impact productivity, quality, safety, and operational performance.

You won't spend your days behind a desk. You'll be on the manufacturing floor, learning our processes, identifying opportunities, troubleshooting challenges, and helping turn ideas into practical solutions. From extrusion presses and tooling to equipment efficiency and process improvements, you'll have the opportunity to develop your technical skills while making a meaningful contribution to our operation.

What You'll Do

Manufacturing & Process Improvement

• Provide engineering support for aluminum extrusion presses and downstream manufacturing operations.
• Evaluate production processes, cycle times, scrap rates, equipment performance, and overall efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing methods, workflows, productivity, and product quality.
• Help troubleshoot manufacturing challenges involving dimensional variations, surface defects, tooling performance, and material flow.
• Work directly with production supervisors and operators to identify problems and implement effective solutions.
• Support process optimization through the evaluation of extrusion temperatures, press speeds, billet utilization, and other key operating parameters.

Engineering Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Help lead and support projects focused on reducing downtime, scrap, waste, and production costs.
• Collect and analyze manufacturing data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
• Assist with equipment upgrades, process modifications, new technology, and production improvements.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process documentation.
• Participate in equipment trials, process validation, and new product introductions.

Equipment & Technical Support

• Partner with Maintenance to investigate equipment issues and improve reliability and performance.
• Assist with troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Support preventive maintenance and equipment reliability initiatives.
• Evaluate tooling, extrusion dies, and production equipment for opportunities to improve performance and service life.
• Participate in equipment installation, testing, commissioning, and startup activities.

Quality & Safety

• Partner with Quality to investigate product defects, manufacturing issues, and customer concerns.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Support ISO 9001 quality standards and internal manufacturing procedures.
• Identify workplace hazards and recommend improvements to promote a safer work environment.
• Help strengthen a culture of quality, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Recent graduates and early-career engineers are encouraged to apply!
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Interest in manufacturing processes, industrial equipment, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and process documentation.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with employees across multiple departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with manufacturing software, CAD, or data analysis tools is a plus.
• Hands-on manufacturing, internship, co-op, or industrial experience is preferred but not required.
• A willingness to learn, take initiative, and spend time on the manufacturing floor.

Why Join BRT Extrusions?

At BRT, you'll have the opportunity to build your engineering career in a hands-on manufacturing environment where your ideas and contributions matter. We believe in developing talent, encouraging innovation, and giving our employees opportunities to grow.

• Starting salary of $80,000+, based on experience.
• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in aluminum extrusion manufacturing.
• Work alongside experienced engineering, production, and maintenance professionals.
• Exposure to a wide variety of manufacturing processes, equipment, and engineering projects.
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful process improvements and operational initiatives.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• 401(k) participation.

Qualifications: Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical systems, and production operations.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and analyze data to support engineering decisions.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to work on the manufacturing floor and gain hands-on experience with manufacturing processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, academic project, or previous work experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Exposure to aluminum extrusion, metal forming, machining, or other metal manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Experience with manufacturing data analysis, process documentation, or technical reporting.
• Familiarity with CAD software, statistical analysis tools, or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• General knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and OSHA safety requirements.

Key Competencies

• Technical curiosity and a willingness to learn.
• Structured problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Data-driven decision-making.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Collaboration and effective communication.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence.