Manufacturing / Product Manager

Socket.dev; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

United Rotary Brush Corporation in Olathe, KS is seeking a Manufacturing / Product Engineer to drive on‑the‑floor improvements using lean methods. You will optimize processes, reduce waste, and ensure safe, efficient workflows through data‑driven analysis and hands‑on implementation.

Responsibilities include designing tooling, documenting processes, performing root cause analysis, and supporting PPAP for new products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or technical degree in related area.
• 2–5+ years in a manufacturing environment with exposure to lean principles.
• Strong organizational skills and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement improvement initiatives on the production floor using lean principles.
• Optimize processes to reduce waste and improve workflows.
• Design and prototype tooling to improve efficiency.
• Oversee troubleshooting and adoption of new technologies in production methods.
• Maintain product and machine documentation and PPAP for new products.
• Conduct capability studies and root-cause analyses.

Skills

Lean tools

Analytical thinking

Time studies

Communication skills

Lean Six Sigma

3D printing

MS Excel / ERP

SPC & graphs

SolidWorks

Education

Bachelor’s degree or technical degree in related area

Tools

SolidWorks

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

United Rotary Brush Corporation is an Olathe, KS based manufacturer of specialty industrial brushes for the airport, road constructions, street sweeping and plow industries. Our Olathe, KS manufacturing facility (1-35 & 56 Hwy) is looking for a Manufacturing / Product Engineer.

The Manufacturing / Product Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing improvement initiatives on the production floor by applying lean principles and methodologies. This role focuses on optimizing processes, reducing waste, and ensuring efficient workflows through data-driven analysis and hands-on implementation

Manufacturing / Product Engineer Duties & Responsibilities

Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE)

• Stop work and immediately report any major injury hazards.
• Immediately report any work-related injury, illness, incident or hazard.
• Comply with HSE standards, policies & procedures.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) for protection of themselves and others.
• Work to promote an interdependent culture by looking out for one another.
• Correct hazards and safety concerns within their control and capabilities.
• Engage in HSE training.

Manufacturing

• Machines: Help redesign broken parts for equipment breakdowns and make improvements to machine designs as needed. Evaluate accuracy of production and testing equipment. Evaluate effects of product design changes on equipment and operations.
• Tooling:Help with the Design and prototyping of tooling for operators or machines to improve efficiency of people, equipment, or process.
• Continuous Improvement: Assist with Continuous Improvement Activities and bolster a continuous improvement culture.
• Troubleshooting: Oversee/troubleshoot the introduction of new technologies, products, and production methods. Diagnose faults in machinery and inspect components for quality to ensure safety and performance standards.

Documentation

• Drawing Templates: Create all drawing templates for outgoing Requests for quotes and for Product design specifications.
• Product Documentation: Maintain accurate product documentation for standardization. Update existing and any new product models, drawings and specification documents. Follow PPAP documentation for all new products. Commonize sub products to create a more efficient manufacturing process.
• Machine Documentation: Develop Record keeping documentation. Establish record keeping and track Machine Parts designed and maintenance for stocking and cost saving activities. Champion – Master machine parts list and inventory.
• Issue Documentation: Develop Record keeping documentation. Establish record keeping and track Machine issues for analysis and resolution.

Problem Solving

• Improvement Trials: Execute improvement trials to validate new products, materials or equipment changes.
• Root Cause Analysis: Perform root cause analysis cross-functionally using problem-solving tools (e.g., Fishbone, 5 Whys) to address recurring issues.
• Capability Studies: Conduct capability studies to ensure processes meet quality and performance standards.

Teamwork

• Communicates effectively with the assigned team and all support teams.
• Completes training and personal development in preparation for upcoming changes in the business and or technology.
• Participates actively in ways to improve quality, safety, process, material flow, and employee development.
• Help close feedback loop needed for continuous improvement.

Manufacturing / Product Engineer Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or technical degree in related area required
• 2 to 5+ years in a manufacturing environment with exposure to lean principles.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Strong communications skills both verbal and written.
• The capacity to work independently with little to no supervision and with a team.

Skills

• Knowledge of lean tools and methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to conduct time studies and capability analysis.
• Excellent communication and training skills.
• Lean Six Sigma certification a plus
• 3D printing Experience a plus
• Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.), experience with ERP systems, and ability to learn and understand SPC and graphical results.
• SolidWorks

Manufacturing / Product Engineer Work Environment

Manufacturing Environment

• This position is subject to an indoor warehouse-like environment, where the temperature is semi-controlled and may fluctuate with the seasons. Personal protective equipment such as eyewear and steel-toe shoes is required to work in specific departments. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually high.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.