Manufacturing Engineer I - 2nd Shift

Socket.dev; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Kato Cable, located in Mankato, Minnesota, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer I to improve production efficiency, quality, and consistency on the factory floor. You will work with Production, Quality, Project Engineering and Supply Chain to set up and improve tooling, fixtures and work instructions.

This hands-on role requires learning on the floor, participating in NPI, and applying Lean and 5S to reduce waste.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Willingness to work on the production floor and learn through hands-on tasks.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical documents, work instructions, specifications, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop proficiency in one of three designated production areas within onboarding and training.
• Support customer-driven manufacturing projects by ensuring tooling, testing, and processes are established and maintained.
• Design and support tooling, fixtures, and jigs to improve productivity, quality, and repeatability.
• Assist in developing and improving SOPs, fixtures, and testing requirements.
• Support equipment setup, documentation, and optimization while ensuring compliance.
• Analyze production workflows and apply Lean and 5S to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Execute ECOs, DRFs, and PIFs for proper documentation and implementation.
• Assist with troubleshooting basic equipment, tooling, and process issues.
• Participate in New Product Introduction activities including documentation and line readiness.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Project Engineering, and Supply Chain.
• Apply independent judgment to evaluate processes and recommend improvements.

Skills

Hands-on

Problem-solving

Planning

Documentation

Communication

CAD basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Basic CAD software

ERP systems

Job description

Description

We’re Hiring: Manufacturing Engineer I

Are you a hands-on engineer who enjoys turning ideas into practical improvements on the production floor? Kato Cable is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer I to help improve the efficiency, quality, and consistency of our manufacturing processes.

In this role, you will work closely with Production, Quality, Project Engineering, and Supply Chain to:

• Support customer-driven manufacturing projects from setup through production
• Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and jigs
• Develop and improve work instructions, SOPs, and testing requirements
• Support new product introductions and production-line readiness
• Troubleshoot equipment, tooling, material, and process issues
• Use Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles to reduce waste and improve workflow
• Help ensure manufacturing changes are properly documented and implemented

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who wants to be actively involved in manufacturing—not sitting behind a desk all day. You’ll spend meaningful time on the production floor, learn our processes firsthand, and help create solutions that make a measurable difference.

Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 3:30 pm - 2:00 am
Salary: $ 65,000 - $ 75,000 annually

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• A self-driven, hands-on approach to problem-solving
• Strong planning, documentation, and communication skills
• Willingness to learn production processes through direct, hands-on experience
• Basic CAD and Microsoft Office skills
• Manufacturing, wire harness, cable assembly, Lean, Six Sigma, or ERP experience is preferred

If you are driven by continuous improvement, committed to quality, and ready to grow your engineering career with a collaborative manufacturing team, we would love to hear from you.

Kato Cable is located in Mankato, Minnesota.

Requirements

JOB PURPOSE:

The Manufacturing Engineer I supports manufacturing operations by applying engineering principles within a designated production area and assisting with customer-driven projects. This role focuses on improving production efficiency, quality, and consistency through effective documentation, equipment setup and optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer I works closely with cross‑functional teams to support safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop proficiency in one of three designated production areas within an established onboarding and training period and provide ongoing engineering support within that area.
• Support and execute customer-driven manufacturing projects by ensuring tooling, testing, and manufacturing processes are established, documented, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Design and support the implementation of tooling, fixtures, and jigs to improve productivity, quality, and repeatability.
• Assist in the development, maintenance, and improvement of work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), fixtures, and testing requirements.
• Support equipment setup, documentation, and optimization while ensuring compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and internal procedures.
• Analyze production workflows and assist production teams with continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and minimize process variation.
• Execute Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Design Review Forms (DRFs), and Process Improvement Forms (PIFs) to ensure accurate documentation, proper approvals, and effective implementation of manufacturing changes.
• Assist with troubleshooting basic issues related to equipment, tooling, fixtures, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including documentation development, line readiness, and process validation.
• Collaborate effectively with Production, Quality, Project Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support manufacturing goals and customer requirements.
• Apply independent judgment and engineering fundamentals to evaluate manufacturing processes and recommend improvements under the guidance of senior engineering staff.

In addition, this role may be assigned other duties consistent with the nature and level of the position, as required to support ongoing business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience, Competencies and Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field required.
• Willingness to work on the production floor and learn through hands‑on tasks.
• Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical documents, work instructions, specifications, and procedures relevant to the role.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to perform basic mathematical equations relevant to manufacturing and engineering tasks.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to manage a variety of job assignments, apply logical reasoning, and solve routine manufacturing-related problems with guidance as needed.

REQUIRED COMPUTER SKILLS

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Basic CAD software
• General internet and computer use

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment preferred.
• Three to five years of cable assembly/wire harness experience.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with ERP systems or basic manufacturing‑ related data entry.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MEASURES

• Timely and accurate completion of assigned engineering tasks and project deliverables.
• Adherence to the Company Quality Policy and ISO procedural requirements.
• Compliance with safety policies, housekeeping standards, and good manufacturing practices.
• Ability to work independently, follow established work rules, remain flexible, and perform a variety of engineering support tasks as required.
• Ability to safely operate and support manufacturing equipment as necessary to perform engineering and production support duties.
• Ability to work effectively, courteously, and respectfully with all levels of personnel.

Vision Requirements

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
• Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

PERSONALITY

We are seeking a self-driven, hands‑on engineering professional who demonstrates a strong commitment to quality and preventative, well‑controlled documentation. The ideal candidate is an effective planner who can manage multiple priorities, communicates clearly and professionally, and collaborates effectively across departments while considering the impact of decisions on others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a manufacturing environment and requires regular time on the production floor. The role may involve exposure to moving machinery, noise, and other typical manufacturing conditions. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to all safety protocols are required. Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not normally exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description reflects the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities. Duties may change over time to meet business needs.