Manufacturing Engineer-Shop Floor Focus

Waseyabek Development Company; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Waséyabek Development Company is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer who will focus on the shop floor, supporting new job launches and continuous improvement of production processes. This hands-on role collaborates with Manufacturing, CNC Programming, Quality and Production to develop practical, repeatable methods and standard work.

You will observe processes on the floor, assist operators, solve day-to-day manufacturing issues, cut scrap and cycle times, and drive 5S and visual controls, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent hands-on experience in manufacturing.
• CNC experience strongly preferred; machining, fabrication, assembly environment experience.
• Able to observe processes, identify causes, and implement practical improvements.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, workholding, drawings, tolerances, and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• New Job Launches: plan process flow, tooling/fixture needs, and readiness for stable production.
• Shop-Floor Support: troubleshoot issues with machinists, CNC programmers, supervisors and quality staff.
• Process Development: establish methods, operation sequences, inspection points, material flow, and standard work.
• Process Documentation: maintain setup/work instructions, tooling info, and process sheets.
• Tooling and Fixture Support: assist with fixture concepts and tool selection.
• Cycle-Time and Productivity Improvement: identify delays and implement improvements.
• Scrap and Quality Improvement: participate in root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Continuous Improvement: lead/support 5S, cell layout, material movement, and workflow improvements.
• Training and Process Transfer: communicate critical setup, tooling, quality, and safety requirements.

Skills

Practical problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Education

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

Tools

Mastercam

CAD software

Lean/5S

AS9100 / ISO 9001 awareness

Job description

Company Overview

Baker Engineering, LLC's (Baker) core business centers around the design and development of high-tech, high-performance technologies for a variety of applications, from custom military and commercial engines, to engine components, to the production of parts and mechanical assemblies for other industries. Baker is a division of Waséyabek Development Company, LLC that is wholly owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, a Federally recognized Indian Tribe.

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer is a hands-on, shop-floor-focused role responsible for supporting new job launches and improving existing production processes. This position works closely with Manufacturing, CNC Programming, Quality, and Production employees to develop practical and repeatable processes, solve day-to-day manufacturing problems, reduce scrap and cycle time, and improve workflow. The Manufacturing Engineer will spend significant time on the production floor observing processes, supporting operators, and turning improvement opportunities into clear actions and standard work.

Core Responsibilities

• New Job Launches: Support new parts from quote or prototype through stable production by planning process flow, identifying tooling and fixture needs, and confirming readiness.
• Shop-Floor Support: Work directly with machinists, CNC programmers, supervisors, and quality personnel to troubleshoot production issues and keep work moving.
• Process Development: Establish practical manufacturing methods, operation sequences, inspection points, material flow, and standard work for new and existing jobs.
• Process Documentation: Maintain setup instructions, work instructions, tooling information, process sheets, routers, and other production documents.
• Tooling and Fixture Support: Assist with fixture concepts, workholding improvements, cutting-tool selection, and coordination with internal or outside resources when detailed design support is required.
• Cycle-Time and Productivity Improvement: Identify delays and unnecessary steps, then implement improvements that increase output using existing people and equipment.
• Scrap and Quality Improvement: Participate in root-cause investigations and corrective actions for scrap, rework, recurring defects, and process variation.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead or support practical improvement projects involving 5S, workstation organization, cell layout, material movement, visual controls, and workflow.
• Training and Process Transfer: Help the production team understand critical setup, tooling, quality, and safety requirements for new or revised processes.
• Cross-Functional Support: Assist with feasibility reviews, capacity planning, quoting input, equipment needs, and engineering priorities that support delivery, quality, and growth.

Required Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or a related field; equivalent hands-on technical experience will be considered.
• Manufacturing Background: Experience supporting machining, fabrication, assembly, or another manufacturing environment. CNC experience is strongly preferred.
• Practical Problem Solving: Able to observe a process, work with employees closest to the job, identify likely causes, and develop practical improvements.
• Technical Knowledge: Working understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, workholding, drawings, tolerances, and basic GD&T.
• Communication: Able to communicate clearly with production employees, leadership, suppliers, and customers as needed.
• Organization: Able to manage priorities, document changes, complete assigned actions, and balance production support with long-term improvements.
• Eligibility: Must meet applicable ITAR/EAR compliance requirements for work performed in a defense-manufacturing environment.
• Preferred Experience: Familiarity with CNC milling or turning, Mastercam or other CAM software, CAD, Lean/5S, root-cause analysis, AS9100, ISO 9001, or first-article inspection is beneficial. This is not the primary CNC programming role.

DISCLAIMER

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Native American & Veteran Hiring Preferences will be applied in accordance with Waséyabek Development Company policy. We are committed to making merit-based hiring decisions. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, height or weight, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.

PI286859754