Manufacturing Engineer: Process Optimization & Lean

Standex International; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Standex International, a global industrial growth company, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design, optimize, and support manufacturing processes for safety, quality, and efficiency. You will lead process development for new products, analyze data for improvements, and collaborate across engineering and production teams to enhance manufacturability.

You will develop documentation, participate in DFMs, and drive lean initiatives on the shop floor, while ensuring compliance with standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• Experience in process design, process optimization, or production engineering.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in CAD tools, process modeling, or layout design software is preferred.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, and root-cause analysis tools.
• Experience supporting production environments and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
• Strong communication skills; ability to collaborate across engineering, production, and quality teams.
• Hands-on approach with willingness to work on the production floor to resolve problems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes, workflows, and production layouts to improve throughput, quality, and cost.
• Provide daily manufacturing support by troubleshooting process issues, addressing bottlenecks, and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead process development activities for new products, including prototype builds, pilot runs, and full-scale production readiness.
• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for process improvement, waste reduction, and efficiency gains.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation such as process flow diagrams, PFMEAs, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Collaborate with product engineering on DFM improvements and technical reviews.
• Evaluate and implement new equipment, automation, and tooling to enhance capabilities.
• Conduct time studies, capability analyses, and process validation activities.
• Support quality through root-cause analysis and corrective actions, driving continuous improvement.
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen, standard work, and other tools.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to production teams and engineering technicians.

Skills

Data analysis

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

On-floor troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing/industrial/mechanical engineering

Tools

CAD tools

Process modeling software

Layout design software

Job description

Standex International, a global industrial growth company, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design, optimize, and support manufacturing processes for safety, quality, and efficiency. You will lead process development for new products, analyze data for improvements, and collaborate across engineering and production teams to enhance manufacturability.

You will develop documentation, participate in DFMs, and drive lean initiatives on the shop floor, while ensuring compliance with standards