Manufacturing Process Engineer

Inmotion; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Inmotion in Blacksburg, VA seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to optimize production through equipment, tooling, and test systems. The role focuses on NPI, process industrialization, and integrating new technologies to improve productivity and quality.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment, PLCs, and CAD modeling, plus strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Willingness to travel internationally is required.

Qualifications

• High attention to detail and quality orientation.
• Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
• Analytical and troubleshooting abilities with data-driven mindset.
• Self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical diagrams, and schematics.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPS/WCM, SPC, DOE, and RCA methods.
• Hands-on with manufacturing equipment, automation, PLCs, and diagnostic tools.
• Experience with 2D/3D CAD modeling (Inventor preferred).
• Familiarity with VB, VB.NET, and C# environments for tooling and scripts.
• Willingness to travel internationally for NPI and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes production equipment and test systems to meet productivity and quality targets.
• Supports NPI and manufacturing technology implementation.
• Drives continuous improvement via KPI analysis and corrective actions.
• Oversees equipment maintenance and reliability with internal and external support.
• Identifies skill gaps and recommends operator training.
• Supports adoption of best practices across manufacturing operations.
• Coordinates with global teams for new product introductions and standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Quality focus

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Reading drawings/diagrams

Lean Manufacturing

TPS/WCM

Statistical methods

Root cause analysis

Tools

Inventor CAD

VB/VB.NET/C#

PLC/diagnostic tools

Job description

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilizes production equipment, tooling, test systems, and software to achieve productivity, quality, OTP, and OTD targets.
• Supports new product introduction (NPI), process industrialization, and the implementation of new manufacturing technologies.
• Drives continuous improvement through KPI analysis, root cause investigation, corrective actions, and non-conformity reduction initiatives.
• Oversees equipment reliability through preventive, corrective, and improvement-focused maintenance activities, coordinating external support as needed.
• Identifies operational skill gaps and recommends training to enhance workforce capability and performance.
• Supports organizational change initiatives and promotes the adoption of best practices across manufacturing operations.
• Serves as the primary liaison with global Group companies and headquarters, coordinating new product introductions, manufacturing projects, and the implementation of corporate standards and directives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES NECESSARY:

• Strong attention to detail, quality focus, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical diagrams, board schematics, engineering specifications, and process documentation.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPS/WCM principles, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment, automation systems, PLCs, test equipment, and diagnostic tools.
• Proficiency with engineering software, including 2D/3D CAD modeling (Inventor preferred); familiarity with VB, VB.NET, and C# programming environments preferred.
• This position requires occasional international travel to support new product introductions, manufacturing projects, and collaboration with global sister companies.
• Professional working proficiency in Italian is preferred to support collaboration with international engineering and operations teams.