Manufacturing Engineer — Lean & Continuous Improvement

The Shyft Group, Inc.; Charlotte (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shyft Group, Inc. in Charlotte, MI is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to optimize production flow, design plant layouts, and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges.

The role supports continuous improvement across cost, quality, safety, and lead time, coordinating with cross-functional teams to keep operations efficient and responsive. You’ll develop time studies, manage budgets, and drive lean initiatives, including tool selection, fixturing, and NPI readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical / Manufacturing / Industrial Engineering or related field
• Up to 5 years related experience;
• Experience with working a low volume/high variation manufacturing operation preferred
• Ability to handle multiple projects, meet deadlines, manage, and maintain budgets
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize work and stay on task
• Innovative team player
• Intermediate computer skills are required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, MS Project, MS PowerPoint) and CAD systems (SolidWorks and AutoCAD preferred)
• Good hands-on engineering skills and ability to work on production equipment
• Sound judgment with the ability to make timely, and sometimes difficult, decisions
• Ability to work with some direction and be effective in a fast-paced environment while being versatile, flexible, and willing to work within changing priorities
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Understand safety requirements and cautions
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills

Responsibilities

• Evaluate tools and equipment process options that will reduce cost in the operation
• Seek approval for investments in machinery and equipment that will improve manufacturing / assembly operations
• Produce engineering drawings for and design fixturing / tooling
• Implement lean manufacturing principles such as visual controls, pull inventory systems within a process, workplace organization and continuous improvement
• Provide manufacturing technical support for production operations, including tooling, fixturing and process troubleshooting, and investigate new technologies and methods
• Monitor and correct safety / ergonomic issues
• Support the CI team to develop and organize lean events
• Participate in the WOW program and assist in WOW event implementations
• Support the NPI process; evaluating new projects for tooling and equipment needs
• Drive continuous improvement and eliminate waste across manufacturing facilities
• Aid in workstation load balancing for all manufacturing areas
• Verify, review, and implement torque specifications and high-risk part specs
• Track welder certifications and adjust as required
• Investigate problems, determine root cause, and implement corrective/preventive actions with cross-functional teams
• Read literature, attend workshops, and participate in professional organizations to stay current
• Knowledge of SPS and core procedures
• Other tasks as assigned

Skills

Time management

Lean manufacturing

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical / Manufacturing / Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

MS Project

MS Office Suite

Job description

The Shyft Group, Inc. in Charlotte, MI is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to optimize production flow, design plant layouts, and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges.

The role supports continuous improvement across cost, quality, safety, and lead time, coordinating with cross-functional teams to keep operations efficient and responsive. You’ll develop time studies, manage budgets, and drive lean initiatives, including tool selection, fixturing, and NPI readiness.