Manufacturing Engineer II

Search Leaders; White Bear Lake (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Search Leaders in Minnesota is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer II to optimize processes in an advanced high‑mix environment, applying Lean methods to improve safety, quality, cost, and delivery. You will lead cross‑functional initiatives, design and develop production processes, create work instructions and layouts, and mentor teams while pursuing operational excellence.

Preferred candidates have 10+ years in manufacturing, experience with Lean tools, SAP or Dynamics, SolidWorks, and VB/CMM

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in manufacturing, industrial, or mechanical engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in an advanced high‑mix manufacturing environment.
• Strong Lean knowledge: Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban.
• 1+ year of project management experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles to support new and existing manufacturing changes.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute detailed activities supporting projects and objectives.
• Design and develop production processes, fixtures, and equipment.
• Develop work instructions, routings, standard work, process sheets, and layouts.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, delivery, throughput.
• Mentor and guide engineering and operations teams; may supervise others.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Dynamics

SolidWorks

Visual Basic

CMM programming

Job description

Our client is a global manufacturing leader delivering innovative tooling solutions for the metal fabrication industry. With six decades of engineering expertise, a broad international footprint, and a reputation for solving demanding fabrication challenges, the organization combines advanced manufacturing capabilities with a longstanding commitment to innovation, quality, and customer success.

Position Responsibilities:

This role will optimize manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, cost, delivery, and product flow within an advanced high-mix environment. The Manufacturing Engineer II will combine hands‑on engineering expertise with Lean methodologies, cross‑functional collaboration, and continuous improvement leadership while helping strengthen operational excellence across the organization.

• Apply engineering principles to support new and existing product manufacturing, design changes, and product improvements.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute detailed engineering activities supporting larger projects and operational objectives.
• Design and develop production processes, fixtures, and equipment to improve manufacturing performance.
• Develop and optimize work instructions, procedures, routings, standard work, process sheets, capacity analyses, and line layouts.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, delivery, throughput, material flow, and part availability.
• Apply Lean methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce process variation, and improve production efficiency.
• Develop value stream maps and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing flow and capacity.
• Conduct and participate in Kaizen events while training production employees on Kanban, one‑piece flow, and other Lean practices.
• Investigate manufacturability issues, determine root causes, implement design‑related corrective actions, and communicate findings across teams.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Design Engineering, and suppliers to resolve manufacturing, equipment, component, quality, and product‑design challenges.
• Participate in design reviews to evaluate manufacturing feasibility and identify potential issues associated with new products and product changes.
• Communicate technical ideas, recommendations, and proposals effectively across all organizational levels.
• Work independently on most assignments while documenting activities and reviewing progress and results with management.
• Influence, mentor, and guide engineering and operations teams while contributing to broader operational excellence initiatives.
• May supervise other personnel as assigned.

Position requirements:

• Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering degree.
• Minimum 10 years of experience within an advanced high‑mix manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and methods, including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, and Kanban.
• 2+ years of experience implementing Lean methodologies and tools to deliver measurable process improvements.
• 1+ year of project management experience, including leading cross‑functional teams toward objectives within established timelines.
• Hands‑on problem‑solving capabilities with the ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining quality and timely deliverables.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across all areas and levels of an organization.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing machinery and inspection equipment.
• Ability to work in office and manufacturing‑floor environments and meet the physical requirements associated with the position.

Preferred Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience as a manufacturing engineer.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using SAP and/or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Experience with SolidWorks.
• Visual Basic programming experience.
• CMM programming experience.

Reasons to Apply:

• Competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package.
• Health coverage, retirement plans, and other company‑sponsored perks.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, to support work‑life balance.
• Flexible schedules and work life balance.
• Strong focus on employee development with on‑the‑job training and career growth.
• A positive company culture that values diversity and collaboration.

The pay range for this role is:

110,000 - 125,000 USD per year (White Bear Lake, MN)