Manufacturing Engineering Technician

Wabtec; Lexington (TN); On-site; USD 77,366,016 - 114,616,320; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Wabtec in Lexington, TN is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Technician to develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes across the facility.

You will work with cross‑functional teams, support CNC machining and automation, and ensure safety, quality, and efficiency while driving continuous improvement.

Join a team focused on optimizing production, reducing scrap, and applying Lean methods to achieve operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes in production settings.
• Experience with CNC machining, CNC programming, and nesting software.
• Experience creating and maintaining routings, work instructions, process docs, and ECNs.
• Knowledge of tooling selection, management, and procurement for CNC ops.
• Experience supporting automation equipment integration and PLC‑based systems.
• Strong problem solving, project management, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with CAD software and ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes to increase productivity, quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Partner with Manufacturing to evaluate, develop, and optimize production processes.
• Analyze production challenges and implement corrective actions using Lean and continuous improvement.
• Create and maintain routings, bills of materials, standard work instructions, and process docs.
• Initiate and review ECNs related to processes, equipment, and instructions.
• Develop CNC programs and nesting strategies to maximize material use and productivity.
• Support CNC operations through tooling, setup methods, and workflows optimization.
• Evaluate, specify, and purchase cutting tools and fixtures for CNC manufacturing.
• Work with suppliers to identify tooling solutions that improve productivity and tool life.
• Lead and support automation projects including robotics and machine integration.
• Apply PLC knowledge to troubleshoot and improve automated systems.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Controls on PLC-based equipment and initiatives.
• Participate in capital equipment projects from specification to startup.
• Conduct process capability, time, and workflow studies to find improvements.
• Support new product launches with efficient, repeatable processes.
• Train production personnel on new equipment, processes, and best practices.
• Monitor key process metrics and ensure safety and quality compliance.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Problem solving

Project management

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

CNC machining

Education

Associate’s degree in Engineering or related technical field

Tools

CAD software

ERP/MRP systems

Nesting software

CNC programming

PLC programming

Job description

The Wabtec location in Lexington, TN is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Manufacturing Engineering Technician. The ideal candidate will approach day-to-day work with a world class attitude while interacting with other team members from other departments. This candidate will possess specialized expertise in technical processes or procedures to perform a broad range of complex work assignments. They will, at times, complete work assignments while facilitating the work activities of others. Work completed will take place in all process areas of the facility. The individual will work autonomously within established policies and procedures; proposing improvements to processes as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes to increase productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with Manufacturing personnel to evaluate, develop, and optimize new and existing production processes.
• Analyze production challenges and implement corrective actions using Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Create and maintain manufacturing routings, bills of materials, standard work instructions, and process documentation.
• Initiate, review, and implement Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) related to manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and work instructions.
• Develop CNC machine programs and nesting strategies to maximize material utilization, reduce scrap, and improve machine productivity.
• Support CNC machining operations through optimization of machine parameters, setup methods, tooling strategies, and production workflows.
• Evaluate, specify, and purchase cutting tools, fixtures, consumables, and related equipment for CNC manufacturing operations.
• Work with suppliers to identify and implement tooling solutions that improve productivity, quality, and tool life while reducing operating costs.
• Lead and support automation projects including robotic systems, automated material handling, machine integration, and process controls.
• Apply PLC knowledge to troubleshoot, support, and improve automated manufacturing systems and equipment.
• Work closely with Maintenance and Controls personnel to support PLC-based manufacturing equipment and automation initiatives.
• Participate in capital equipment projects including equipment specification, procurement, installation, validation, and startup activities.
• Conduct process capability studies, time studies, and workflow analyses to identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations teams during new product launches to establish efficient and repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Train production personnel on new equipment, processes, work instructions, and best practices.
• Monitor key process metrics and implement improvements to meet business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes within a production environment.
• Experience with CNC machining, CNC programming, and nesting software.
• Experience creating and maintaining manufacturing routings, work instructions, process documentation, and ECNs.
• Knowledge of tooling selection, tooling management, and tooling procurement for CNC manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting automation systems and manufacturing equipment integration.
• Working knowledge of PLC‑controlled manufacturing equipment and troubleshooting methods.
• Strong problem‑solving, project management, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with CAD software and ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with robotic automation and industrial control systems.
• Knowledge of CNC nesting software, CAD/CAM systems, and machine optimization techniques.
• PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience supporting fabrication, machining, or heavy manufacturing environments.

The pay range for this role is $27.00 - $40.00. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands, and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at https://mywabtecbenefits.com.

Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.