Manufacturing Engineer II

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Generous paid time off

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Search-Leaders,-LL, a global manufacturing leader in tooling solutions for metal fabrication, seeks a Manufacturing Engineer II to optimize processes in a high-mix environment. You will combine hands-on engineering with Lean methods, collaborating across functions to drive operational excellence.

The role emphasizes safety, quality, cost, and delivery improvements, along with leading Kaizen events and mentoring teams. On-site position in Minnesota, with a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in manufacturing, industrial, or mechanical field.
• 10+ years in an advanced high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Strong Lean knowledge: VSM, 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Kanban.
• 2+ years applying Lean tools to improve processes.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles to support new and existing product manufacturing and improvements.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute detailed engineering activities for projects.
• Design and develop production processes, fixtures, and equipment.
• Develop and optimize work instructions, routings, and capacity analyses.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Mentor engineering and operations teams; participate in Kaizen events.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Design Engineering, and suppliers.
• Communicate technical ideas effectively across organization levels.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Value stream mapping

5S

Kaizen

Kanban

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Mentoring

Team leadership

Education

Manufacturing/Industrial/Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Dynamics

SolidWorks

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)