Manufacturing Engineer - Oak Steel

HNI Corporation; Muscatine (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits from Day 1

Job summary

HNI Corporation in Muscatine, IA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support operations, improve production processes, and deploy Lean, automation, and product-launch initiatives. You will analyze data, address production challenges, and drive cost and quality improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Product Development, Operations, and Maintenance to sustain continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical engineering field.
• Experience with manufacturing processes, process improvement, or engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience applying Lean manufacturing and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Experience leading or participating in cross‑functional projects from planning through implementation.
• Experience or interest in robotics, automation, and manufacturing technologies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop manufacturing processes, production flow, assembly methods, and fabrication equipment to meet product specifications and quality standards.
• Provide technical support for day-to-day production challenges using Lean problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis.
• Identify and implement process improvements that improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost, including opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and material utilization.
• Lead and support robotics, automation, and manufacturing technology initiatives that improve safety, productivity, quality, and labor efficiency.
• Partner with Product Development to influence product design for manufacturability, operational efficiency, and cost optimization.
• Lead and support new product launches, process development, and cross‑functional improvement projects.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for corrective action and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Product Development teams while communicating project updates, technical findings, and recommendations.

Skills

Problem Solving

Continuous Improvement

Technical Expertise

Influence & Collaboration

Project Leadership

Innovation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Robotics & Automation

Job description

Position at HNI Workplace Furnishings

HNI Corporation is a global family of brands for the workplace and home dedicated to enhancing the spaces where we live, work, and gather. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where we make a positive impact on others; upholding our beliefs in integrity, inclusion and belonging.

Your Impact Starts the Day You Do!

What We Need:

We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our HNI Workplace Furnishings - Operations team.

In this role, you will provide hands-on engineering support to manufacturing operations, improving production processes, equipment, and workflow to enhance Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost performance. You will apply Lean manufacturing, structured problem‑solving, and automation technologies to drive continuous improvement and support new product launches.

What You Will Do:

• Design and develop manufacturing processes, production flow, assembly methods, and fabrication equipment to meet product specifications and quality standards.
• Provide technical support for day-to-day production challenges using Lean problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis.
• Identify and implement process improvements that improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost, including opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and material utilization.
• Lead and support robotics, automation, and manufacturing technology initiatives that improve safety, productivity, quality, and labor efficiency.
• Partner with Product Development to influence product design for manufacturability, operational efficiency, and cost optimization.
• Lead and support new product launches, process development, and cross‑functional improvement projects.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for corrective action and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Product Development teams while communicating project updates, technical findings, and recommendations.

What You Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical engineering field.
• Experience with manufacturing processes, process improvement, or engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience applying Lean manufacturing and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Experience leading or participating in cross‑functional projects from planning through implementation.
• Experience or interest in robotics, automation, and manufacturing technologies is preferred.

What You're Good At:

• Problem Solving - Uses data, root‑cause analysis, and structured methodologies to solve manufacturing challenges.
• Continuous Improvement - Identifies opportunities to eliminate waste and improve process performance through Lean principles such as RCI, MDI, 5S, and Standard Work.
• Technical Expertise - Applies engineering knowledge to manufacturing processes, fabrication, equipment, and automation.
• Influence & Collaboration - Builds strong partnerships and influences stakeholders across Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Engineering.
• Project Leadership - Manages timelines, coordinates resources, and drives projects through successful implementation.
• Innovation - Develops practical solutions and explores automation and technology to improve manufacturing performance.
• Communication - Clearly communicates technical findings, recommendations, and project progress to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

• We offer benefits starting from Day 1. To learn more, visit www.HNIbenefits.com.

HNI Corporation (NYSE: HNI) is a manufacturer of workplace furnishings and building products, operating under two segments. The workplace furnishings segment is a leading global designer and provider of commercial furnishings, going to market under multiple unique brands. The residential building products segment is the nation's leading manufacturer and marketer of hearth products.
Our company endeavors to make www.hnicareers.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 563-272-7400 or via email at [emailprotected] Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.