Manufacturing Operations Engineer 1

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company is seeking an entry-level Manufacturing Engineer I to support production processes and equipment under the guidance of senior engineers. You will help ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals while building hands-on skills.

You will work on process improvements, equipment validation, and change management, developing standard work and training materials for operators and technicians as you progress in your engineering career.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or nearing completion.
• 0–1 years of related experience, including internships or co-ops.
• Basic exposure to electrical and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Interest in manufacturing, process improvement, or hands-on engineering.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing processes and address production issues with senior engineers.
• Assist in equipment validation, maintenance, and tooling improvements.
• Identify and prioritize Lean and automation opportunities to reduce waste.
• Participate in NPI and change management, ensuring proper validation and training.

Skills

CAD

GD&T

SPC

PLCs

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

MES/SCADA

Robotics

Vision systems

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer I

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer I is an entry-level role for a recent engineering graduate or early-career engineer who wants to build a career in manufacturing. Working closely with a mentor and senior engineering staff, this person supports manufacturing processes and equipment to help meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals, while developing the technical and problem-solving skills needed to take on greater ownership over time.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Daily Operations Support

• Support assigned manufacturing processes/value streams as a technical resource for production issues, non-conformances, and process questions, escalating to senior engineers as needed.
• Help monitor process performance (scrap, rework, OEE, throughput, changeover time, labor productivity) and assist in developing corrective actions when performance deviates from target.
• Participate in structured problem solving (5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC, PDCA) alongside experienced engineers to address issues in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Help create and maintain clear standard work, work instructions, and training materials for operators and technicians.

Equipment & Tooling

• Support capital equipment projects under the guidance of a senior engineer, contributing to requirements definition, vendor communication, design reviews, FAT/SAT, installation, and production ramp-up.
• Assist in developing and executing equipment validation plans (process capability, gauge checks, safety, and reliability).
• Help design, specify, or improve tooling, fixtures, and gaging to enhance throughput, ergonomics, quality, and ease of use.
• Partner with Maintenance to learn preventive maintenance (PM) practices and support equipment reliability efforts.

Continuous Improvement & Automation

• Identify and help prioritize continuous improvement opportunities that reduce scrap, improve yield, increase capacity, and reduce conversion cost.
• Learn and apply Lean manufacturing principles (5S/6S, visual management, standard work, flow, pull, SMED, error proofing) within assigned areas.
• Assist in evaluating automation and digital solutions (e.g., robotics/cobots, automated inspection, data collection, SCADA/MES, AMRs) alongside senior engineers.
• Support development of business cases (benefits, CAPEX, payback, IRR) and help track realized savings.

New Products & Change Management

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and transfers by helping define manufacturable processes, layouts, and equipment for new designs.
• Participate in PFMEA, Control Plan, and process capability activities for new or changed processes.
• Assist in processing engineering changes (ECR/ECO) impacting manufacturing, ensuring changes are implemented with appropriate validation, documentation, and training.

Quality & Compliance

• Partner with Quality to help ensure processes meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and agency/industry standards.
• Support root cause and corrective action (RCCA/CAPA) activities for internal and customer issues, including documentation and communication.
• Learn and follow safety, regulatory, and audit requirements related to equipment, processes, and documentation (e.g., machine guarding, LOTO, calibration, record retention).

Skills & Competencies

Technical / Professional

• Foundational knowledge of manufacturing processes and methods (e.g., machining, welding, assembly, thermal processes, testing, automation, vision systems), gained through coursework, internships, or co-ops.
• Familiarity with engineering tools such as CAD, GD&T, and statistical analysis (SPC, capability); willingness to develop proficiency on the job.
• Basic understanding of industrial electrical and controls systems (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, safety circuits, sensors), with eagerness to build skills to support troubleshooting alongside Maintenance, vendors, or controls specialists.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn how to plan, validate, and sustain manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and ask for help when needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (or expected completion within the next few months).
• 0–1 years of related experience; relevant internships, co-ops, capstone projects, or academic lab experience are welcomed.
• Basic exposure to troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues, through coursework, internship, or hands‑on projects.
• A demonstrated interest in manufacturing, process improvement, or hands‑on engineering work.

Preferred

• Coursework or internship experience in a regulated or high‑reliability manufacturing environment (e.g., aerospace, medical, nuclear, semiconductor, or similar).
• Exposure to Lean/Six Sigma concepts, structured problem solving, or project management through coursework or certification.
• Familiarity with MES/SCADA/data collection, automated inspection (vision systems), robotics/cobots, or advanced automation concepts.
• Academic or project experience involving equipment build or integration, spanning mechanical and electrical design.