Manufacturing Engineer: Texas Factory Launch & Roll-Forming

Nextpower; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Nextpower seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to lead the Texas factory launch and ramp of steel module frames with a focus on roll forming. You will oversee equipment installation, commissioning, and process validation while coordinating with Chinese-speaking suppliers and cross-functional teams to resolve startup issues.

You will drive safety, quality, throughput, and cost improvements, establishing standard work, training operators, and documenting lessons for future launches on site in Texas.

Qualifications

• 15+ years hands-on experience in manufacturing equipment startup and production.
• Experience with new factory launches including installation, process validation, and production ramp-up.
• Chinese-speaking proficiency sufficient to conduct technical discussions, equipment troubleshooting, and training with suppliers; effective English communication skills.
• Practical experience with steel products manufacturing and roll forming, including coil handling, tooling, line setup, dimensional controls, and defect resolution.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and interpret drawings, electrical schematics, manuals, and specifications.
• Experience with standard work, operator training, manufacturing data analysis, Lean, and root cause analysis.
• Ability to manage startup schedules and supplier issues while coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including China, and obtain a passport and Chinese visa.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute equipment installation and commissioning plans.
• Coordinate equipment layouts, utility requirements, installation sequencing, and contractor activities with facilities, maintenance, EHS, and suppliers.
• Support factory and site acceptance testing, dry runs, production trials, and capacity validation; document results and close supplier punch-list items.
• Verify machine guarding, interlocks, emergency stops, and hazardous energy controls with EHS and maintenance before releasing equipment for production.
• Establish process settings for coil handling, roll forming, punching, cutting, and downstream handling; verify tooling alignment, cut length, and dimensional consistency.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controls issues with suppliers and maintenance; eliminate recurring equipment and process failures.
• Partner with quality to validate product dimensions, tolerances, surface condition, inspection methods, and process capability against engineering requirements.
• Develop standard work, setup sheets, process parameters, troubleshooting guides, and operator training; establish controlled production documentation.
• Track cycle time, throughput, first-pass yield, scrap, downtime, and overall equipment effectiveness; use data to remove constraints during ramp-up.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, 5S, root cause analysis, mistake proofing, and quick changeover methods to improve productivity and material yield.
• Support process risk assessments, control plans, corrective actions, and design changes with R&D, quality, sourcing, and program management.
• Partner with maintenance on preventive maintenance, critical spare parts, equipment documentation, and handover; document startup lessons for future launches.
• Train operators and technicians in safe operation, setup, and troubleshooting; verify production readiness.
• Support equipment specifications, capital project tracking, and acceptance records across supplier teams.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Troubleshooting

Process validation

English communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or related engineering

Lean Six Sigma training

Tools

CAD layouts

PLC diagnostics

HMI diagnostics

Job description

Nextpower seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to lead the Texas factory launch and ramp of steel module frames with a focus on roll forming. You will oversee equipment installation, commissioning, and process validation while coordinating with Chinese-speaking suppliers and cross-functional teams to resolve startup issues.

You will drive safety, quality, throughput, and cost improvements, establishing standard work, training operators, and documenting lessons for future launches on site in Texas.