Manufacturing Engineering Technician I

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.; Lewiston (ID); On-site; USD 43,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

ESOP

401(k) plan

Health, dental, vision, life, and dis­

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick time

Tuition assistance

Engineering development programs

Job summary

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. in Lewiston, ID is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Technician I to support production, new product introduction, and process improvement across our manufacturing operations.

You will work closely with operators and engineers to identify safety, quality, and efficiency opportunities and design practical solutions to improve product flow. A technical degree or equivalent hands-on experience is required and teamwork is essential.

Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent hands-on engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows and a passion for improvement.
• Experience solving technical problems using data, analysis, and structured methods.
• Experience with manufacturing processes, quality systems, continuous improvement, or mechanical design.
• Comfort with engineering drawings, technical documentation, and manufacturing tools.
• Ability to manage projects, prioritize work, and drive results in a team.

Responsibilities

• Work side by side with operators and engineers to uncover opportunities related to safety, ergonomics, quality, lead time, and dignity of work.
• Understand product flow, identify sources of waste, and help design practical, effective solutions to improve manufacturing.
• Collaborate across functions to continuously improve how products are made.

Skills

technical degree or equivalent hands‑n

manufacturing workflows

data-driven problem solving

manufacturing processes or quality

reading engineering drawings

project management

cross-functional collaboration

mechanical inclination

Education

technical degree or equivalent hands‑on engineering experience

Job description

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is looking for someone to join our Manufacturing Engineering team within the Manufacturing Division as a Manufacturing Engineering Technician I (MfET) in Lewiston, ID. In this role you will focus on supporting production, new product introduction, and process improvement initiatives across our manufacturing operations. You’ll combine technical problem-solving, process analysis, and hands‑on collaboration to improve safety, quality, productivity, and the overall manufacturing experience.

A typical day as a Manufacturing Engineering Technician (MfET) might include: Working side by side with operators and engineers to uncover opportunities related to safety, ergonomics, quality, lead time, and dignity of work. Understanding product flow, identifying sources of waste, and helping design practical, effective solutions, you’ll play a key role in continuously improving how our products are made.

This job might be for you if:

• You have a technical degree or equivalent hands‑on engineering and manufacturing experience.
• You have a strong understanding of manufacturing workflows and a passion for improvement.
• You enjoy solving technical problems using data, analysis, and structured problem‑solving methods.
• You have experience with manufacturing processes, quality systems, continuous improvement, or mechanical design.
• You are comfortable working with engineering drawings, technical documentation, and manufacturing tools.
• You can manage projects, prioritize work, and drive results in a team environment.
• You communicate effectively and collaborate well across functions.
• You are mechanically inclined, detail‑oriented, and eager to learn and grow.

It is a plus if you have:

• Strong process analysis and improvement experience.
• Have worked with a wide variety of manufacturing technologies such as collaborative robotics, laser engraving, ultrasonic welding, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Lift, push, pull and maneuver up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 35 pounds occasionally
• Reach, bend, twist
• Sit and stand for at least 8 hours
• Vision correctable to 20/30 or better and ability to differentiate colors
• Proficient in the use of computer keyboard devices

About our team: The Manufacturing Engineering team partners with our Research and Development and Manufacturing facilities to design and manufacture new products. Working closely with manufacturing engineers, assemblers, and supervisors, we develop products and processes tailored to the unique needs of each production environment. Our projects span a wide range of complexity, from simple changes to existing products to brand‑new cutting‑edge technologies that will disrupt the electrical protection industry.

About Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories: SEL designs, manufactures, and supports products and systems that protect, monitor, control, and automate electric power systems. Our technologies help detect faults, prevent equipment damage, and reduce the impact of power outages. Our mission is to make electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical. Employees contribute to practical, high‑quality solutions used every day, where attention to detail and quality directly support the reliability of the electric grid.

Location: Lewiston, ID – This position is located in Lewiston, ID where you'll enjoy an unmatched quality of life. Enjoy the smaller town life: country space, freedom from traffic, easy access to recreational activities in nearby mountains, rivers, and forests, as well as great schools and universities.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work. People are at the core of our company and we hire employee‑owners.

We’re 100% employee owned.

Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options. We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

• 10 paid holidays
• annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days
• 9 paid sick days
• paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay

We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs. Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range: $31.00 - $46.00 per hour

We set starting pay based on job-relative factors such as your experience, training, knowledge, and skills. We are looking to fill this position at the Tech I level, and we welcome applicants with a range of experience. Depending on your background, we may consider you for a different level, with compensation aligned accordingly.

• Manufacturing Engineering Technician I: $31.00 - $46.00 per hour
• Manufacturing Engineering Technician II: $33.00 - $50.00 per hour
• Manufacturing Engineering Technician III: $39.00 - $59.00 per hour

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.

SEL invents, designs, and builds digital products and systems that protect power grids around the world. This technology prevents blackouts and enables customers to improve power system reliability and safety at a reduced cost.

A 100 percent employee‑owned company headquartered in Pullman, Washington, SEL has manufactured products in the United States since 1984 and now serves customers worldwide.

Our mission is simple: to make electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical.