Manufacturing Technology Engineer (Inspection & Converting)

3M; Maplewood (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

3M is seeking a Manufacturing Technology Engineer (Inspection & Converting) in Maplewood, MN, to design, integrate, and support automated converting and inspection systems across our manufacturing network.

You will translate upstream inspection data into actionable converting strategies, develop AI-enabled inspection solutions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy scalable technology that improves yield and quality. Travel to sites is expected as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or related field.
• Advanced degree helpful for specialization.
• Experience with converting technologies and automated slitting is preferred.
• Three or more years in automated inspection, machine vision, or converting systems.
• Experience with upstream inspection data, roll maps, defect classification, or data-driven converting workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, commission, and support smart slitting and converting systems with automated up-stream data usage.
• Translate upstream inspection data into converting strategies like roll mapping and cut optimization.
• Develop and implement automated inspection solutions using optics, machine vision, data analytics, and AI/ML.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, process and quality teams to deploy robust tech solutions.
• Support systems in production, including troubleshooting, upgrades, and operator training.

Skills

Machine vision

Automation

Process control

Data analytics

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical discipline

Master’s degree or higher in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, CS, Physics, Optical Engineering, Robotics or related

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

Motion control

Sensors

Machine vision hardware

Industrial networking

Manufacturing data systems

Job description

Manufacturing Technology Engineer (Inspection & Converting)

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

The Automated Inspection and Measurement group develops, integrates, deploys, and supports advanced vision, inspection, measurement, and automation systems across 3M manufacturing operations. The group applies machine vision and automated inspection technologies to factory automation, roll-good defect detection, surface inspection, and measurement applications that improve productivity, yield, quality, and plant performance. Through fundamental technology development, application engineering, system integration, and long‑term support, the team enables digital manufacturing capabilities across multiple 3M divisions and serves as a corporate leader in practical, scalable deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies.

As a Manufacturing Technology Engineer, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:

• Design, integrate, commission, and support smart slitting and converting systems, with an emphasis on fully automated slitters that leverage upstream web inspection data for recipe management, cut planning, defect avoidance, and dynamic process control.
• Translate upstream inspection data into actionable converting strategies, including roll mapping, defect classification, cut optimization, process parameter selection, and closed‑loop control opportunities.
• Develop and implement automated inspection solutions using technologies such as optics, machine vision, image processing, data analytics, and AI/machine learning to improve product quality, yield, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including manufacturing, process engineering, controls engineering, quality, operations, and equipment suppliers, to solve complex manufacturing challenges and deploy robust technology solutions.
• Support smart converting and inspection systems in production environments, including troubleshooting, performance optimization, system upgrades, operator training, documentation, and ongoing reliability improvements.
• Provide technical support for manufacturing sites, including travel to production locations and participation in on‑call support as needed to ensure system uptime and operational continuity.
• Identify opportunities to standardize and scale smart converting technologies across manufacturing platforms, driving repeatable deployment models and continuous improvement.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline (completed and verified prior to start).

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

• Advanced technical expertise equivalent to a master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Optical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with converting technologies, including roll-good handling, slitting, rewinding, automated slitting, web handling, and related converting processes.
• Three (3) or more years of professional experience developing, implementing, commissioning, or supporting automated inspection, machine vision, smart converting, or automated slitting systems.
• Experience applying process engineering principles in a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment, including troubleshooting, process optimization, equipment commissioning, and continuous improvement.
• Experience working with upstream inspection data, roll maps, defect classification, recipe management, cut planning, or data-driven converting workflows.
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems, including PLCs, HMIs, motion control, sensors, machine vision hardware, industrial networking, and manufacturing data systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following areas: image processing, signal processing, optics, lighting, camera selection, opto‑mechanical design, software development, electronics, or industrial networking.
• Experience defining technical requirements, developing project plans, managing priorities, and contributing to technology roadmaps or strategic planning.

Excell