Manufacturing Engineer - MN

MME group Inc.; Vadnais Heights (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Seaway Plastics is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer in Minnesota to drive product development and optimize production lines in an injection molding and assembly environment. You will design and improve manufacturing processes, lead automation efforts, and ensure project success from NPD to production.

The role requires highly collaborative cross-functional work, strong process knowledge, and a track record of cost and cycle-time reductions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred, or minimum of a 2-year degree/certificate in manufacturing-related field.
• 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with project portfolio management tools such as Smartsheet or Microsoft Project, as well as ERP/MRP systems.
• Six Sigma certification and/or training a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence others internally and externally.
• Ability to collaborate with all levels of the organization, interpret technical data, and analyze.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other divisions to ensure alignment with corporate direction and maintain consistent processes.
• Estimating costs, production timelines, and staffing requirements for designs and processes.
• Designing and improving manufacturing processes, equipment, and automation to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure product quality.
• Initiating and documenting work-instructions, SOPs, and training guidelines for handoff to operations.
• Lead lean six sigma projects targeting cost reduction, cycle/labor productivity improvements.
• Train production technicians in new and existing manufacturing methods.

Skills

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Process optimization

Automation

DFMA

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

2-year manufacturing-related certificate

Tools

Smartsheet

Microsoft Project

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

• PURPOSE: This position drives product development and optimizes production lines. The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing and optimizing manufacturing processes in an injection molding and assembly environment for ongoing contract manufacturing. Focuses on troubleshooting, improving processes, creating poka-yokes and ensuring projects meet established standards while enhancing overall efficiency.
• PURPOSE: This position drives product development and optimizes production lines. The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing and optimizing manufacturing processes in an injection molding and assembly environment for ongoing contract manufacturing. Focuses on troubleshooting, improving processes, creating poka-yokes and ensuring projects meet established standards while enhancing overall efficiency.

Key Accountabilities

• Establish project outline(s) PO to Production ready timelines.
• Project updates, complete management of all assigned projects; start to finish.
• Assist with process design, equipment procurement, and installation projects.
• Establish and optimize manufacturing processes related to assemblies and/or Post Mold Operations
• Lead engineering initiatives aimed at NPD, cost reduction, cycle reduction, improvements in quality and safety.
• Lead lean six sigma projects targeting cost reduction, cycle/labor productivity improvements.
• Training production technicians in new and existing manufacturing methods

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other Seaway divisions to ensure alignment with corporate direction, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and maintain consistent processes.
• Ensures all projects and processes are in accordance with Seaway’s goals and objectives.
• Estimating costs, production timelines, and staffing requirements for designs and processes
• Aligning engineering, supply chain, sales, and operations for a smooth transition from NPD to Production
• Designing and improving manufacturing processes, equipment, and automation to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure product quality; DFMA involvement and documentation.
• Conducting testing, establishing standards, and confirming manufacturing processes; OQ and PQ participation
• Design fixtures and automation systems while considering project constraints related to cost and time. Provide alternatives, work with equipment vendors, and present ROI documentation.
• Initiating and documenting work-instructions, SOPs, and all related training guidelines to ensure a successful handoff to operations.
• Conduct and document training on established procedures and processes with production technicians and operators.

Lma Responsibilities

• This role does not have direct people-management responsibilities.

Qualities For Success

• Demonstrates Seaway Plastics Core Values
  • We are customer focused
  • We execute
  • We win together
  • We are respectful
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred, or Minimum of a 2-year degree/certificate in a manufacturing-related field
  • 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Proficiency with project portfolio management tools such as Smartsheet or Microsoft Project, as well as ERP/MRP systems
  • Six Sigma certification and/or training a plus
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence others internally and externally.
  • Ability to collaborate with all levels of the organization, interpret technical data, and analyze
  • Experience with secondary operations and equipment such as sonic welding, hotplate welding, heat staking, pick and place, pad printing, assembly, leak testing, and automation preferred.
  • Comprehensive skills using Microsoft Office programs, basic CAD knowledge (Solid Works or Creo is a plus)
  • Ability to understand specialized programs used in custom equipment, PLC, Pro-logic, etc.
  • Strong knowledge of operations, including scheduling, procurement, and quality systems.
  • Strong change management skills and ability to lead and influence without direct authority.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing continuous improvement and lean methodologies, including concepts such as value stream mapping, single-piece flow, and poka-yoke.
  • Strong understanding of applicable compliance requirements and design controls, including ISO 13485 and FDA regulations.
  • Accomplishes strategic objectives by managing and maintaining multiple project activities.
  • Stay updated on industry trends and advancements by attending workshops, reviewing publications, and researching new products
  • Well organized and goal orientated.
  • Valid identification and the ability to legally work in the United States
  • Must be able to lift at least 30 pounds unaided
  • Competitive spirit but plays within the rules.
  • Travel +/- 15%.