Manufacturing Engineer I — Lean, PLC & Safety

Oatey; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Oatey, a Nebraska-based manufacturer, seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to improve machines, tools, equipment, and processes while meeting safety, quality, and productivity goals. You will support the plant leadership and collaborate with maintenance technicians.

The role emphasizes reading blueprints, diagnosing root causes, and applying lean methods, with on-call flexibility for around-the-clock operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline is required.
• 0-5 years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including listening, coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Familiarity with OSHA standards including lockout/tag out, confined spaces, blood borne pathogens, machine guarding, hazardous communication, PPE.
• Familiarity with lean and Six Sigma methodology.
• Familiarity with FMEA.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming preferred.
• Experience with packaging equipment in a chemical processing environment preferred.
• Experience with 2D drafting software (AutoCAD) or 3D software.

Responsibilities

• Develop safe procedures and lock out/tag out instructions for new and existing equipment and processes.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and reports to improve processes or equipment.
• Investigate equipment failures and performance issues to diagnose root causes and recommend resolutions.
• Understand potential chemical reactions and chemical compatibilities for new and existing processes.
• Develop and execute tooling design, build, and maintenance plans.
• Working knowledge of basic automated manufacturing machine elements including pneumatics, hydraulics, PLCs, switches, etc.
• Estimate costs, obtain quotes, and present recommendations for projects; prepare RFQs, PRA, contracts, Gantt charts.
• Prioritize project requests with manufacturing leadership and coordinate with Maintenance and Production.
• Write standard work for processes and set target production rates.
• Apply lean and continuous improvement principles in daily activities.

Skills

MS Office

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

OSHA standards knowledge

Lean and Six Sigma

FMEA

PLC programming knowledge

Packaging equipment experience

AutoCAD knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Oatey, a Nebraska-based manufacturer, seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to improve machines, tools, equipment, and processes while meeting safety, quality, and productivity goals. You will support the plant leadership and collaborate with maintenance technicians.

The role emphasizes reading blueprints, diagnosing root causes, and applying lean methods, with on-call flexibility for around-the-clock operations.