Manufacturing Engineer: Lean Processes & Tooling Lead

Wabtec Corporation; Duncan (SC); On-site; USD 79,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Annual bonus

Job summary

Wabtec Corporation is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design and optimize manufacturing processes, tooling, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will work with the Methods team, interacting daily with the line leader, manpower and quality engineers to ensure safety, quality, and competitiveness.

The role focuses on developing robust work instructions, PFMEA, and control plans while driving lean improvements and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering or related engineering.
• Five or more years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong lean manufacturing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire others.
• Strong problem-solving and customer service skills.
• Possibility of traveling, when necessary, minimal.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and document robust and cost-effective manufacturing processes, work instructions, and methods in accordance with product specifications, safety and quality standards, and customer demand.
• Lead the design of required tooling and accessories.
• Evaluate design and engineering changes, determine production feasibility, and approve release to manufacturing.
• Recommend and implement improvements in production processes, methods, and controls, using the principles of lean manufacturing.
• Process Monitoring & Analysis: Regularly inspect production lines, equipment, and workflows to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or quality issues. Use data from production logs, sensors, and operator reports to track performance metrics.
• Quality Assurance: Work in partnership with Quality Assurance to check first time test results, scrap rates, and defect trends; recommend and/or lead corrective actions or process changes to improve product quality.
• Equipment & Tooling Support: Assist in troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, coordinate and support maintenance schedules, and review tooling designs for wear or inefficiency; may recommend replacements or redesigns.
• Documentation & Reporting: Update and maintain manufacturing process documents (Work Instructions, PFMEA, control plans, flowcharts) and prepare reports for management on production performance, costs, and improvements.
• Lean & Continuous Improvement: Apply lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen principles to identify waste, reduce cycle times, and improve safety.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with design, quality, and operations teams to ensure product designs are manufacturable and to resolve production issues quickly.
• Training & Mentoring: Conduct on-the-job or classroom training for operators and technicians on new processes, safety procedures, or efficiency techniques.
• Compliance & Safety Checks: Ensure all manufacturing activities follow safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Cost & Resource Analysis: Review labor, material, and equipment costs; suggest changes to reduce waste and improve cost efficiency.
• Project Support: Assist in new product launches by setting up production processes, validating tooling, and training teams on new methods.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Problem solving

Customer service

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Wabtec Corporation is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design and optimize manufacturing processes, tooling, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will work with the Methods team, interacting daily with the line leader, manpower and quality engineers to ensure safety, quality, and competitiveness.

The role focuses on developing robust work instructions, PFMEA, and control plans while driving lean improvements and cross-functional collaboration.