Manufacturing Engineer

Judge Direct Placement; Springdale (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

3 weeks vacation

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) match

Job summary

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a Process Engineer to lead process ownership and continuous improvement initiatives across value streams. You will analyze data, drive defect reduction, and design standards and control plans to deliver measurable plant-floor results.

You will collaborate with multiple engineering and production teams to implement upgrades and sustain gains, while mentoring others and maintaining a strong quality focus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive responsibility in improvement initiatives within manufacturing.
• Experience with rubber or plastic products is highly desirable.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional teams and delivering CI results.
• Strong knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Minitab or equivalent statistical software.
• Experience with ARENA or equivalent simulation software.
• Proficiency in 2D CAD layout design.
• Intermediate to advanced time and motion studies and capacity evaluations.
• Project management experience; familiarity with Gantt charts.
• Familiarity with automotive quality systems: APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, PFD, PCP.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for assigned processes; lead scrap and cost reduction initiatives.
• Plan, organize, and present data collection for defect reduction and improvements.
• Design and implement work standards, quality control charts, and OE tools.
• Lead cross-functional teams with floor-level engagement.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, design/ product engineering, and materials teams.
• Develop equipment upgrade plans to enhance performance and reliability.
• Provide technical advisory support to maintenance; diagnose equipment issues.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics; apply statistical analysis and time studies.
• Utilize CAD to model and optimize production layouts and workflows.

Skills

Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Data analysis

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Minitab

ARENA

CAD (2D layout)

Microsoft Office

Gantt charts

Job description

As a Process Engineer, you will be at the forefront of our manufacturing operations — developing, optimizing, and continuously improving the processes that drive efficiency, quality, and cost performance. Working cross-functionally with production, quality, and engineering teams, you will analyze performance data, troubleshoot process challenges, implement innovative solutions, and ensure all changes are executed safely and effectively. This role is ideal for a hands-on problem-solver who thrives in a collaborative environment, is passionate about continuous improvement, and takes pride in mentoring others while delivering measurable results on the plant floor.

Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 base salary depending on experience.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, 3 weeks of paid vacation, all vacation days are accrued. Tuition Reimbursement. 401(k): 6% match. Benefits begin first day of the month following hire.

Job Description:

Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned processes, leading scrap and cost reduction initiatives across your value streams. Plan, organize, and present data collection efforts that support defect reduction and continuous improvement projects. Design and implement work standards, quality control charts, and operational excellence tools that drive measurable, lasting results.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership Lead cross-functional teams through improvement initiatives with hands-on, floor-level engagement. Partner closely with manufacturing, maintenance, design engineering, product engineering, and materials development teams to ensure seamless communication and aligned execution. Contribute to the development of equipment upgrade plans that enhance performance, reliability, and long-term value.

Equipment & Maintenance Advisory Support Provide technical advisory support to the maintenance team, with a focus on troubleshooting and diagnostic evaluation of production equipment. Leverage your engineering expertise to identify root causes, recommend solutions, and help the team resolve complex equipment challenges efficiently.

Data-Driven Performance Management Develop and maintain critical performance metrics for assigned value streams. Apply statistical analysis, time and motion studies, and capacity evaluations to identify opportunities, validate improvements, and sustain gains over time. Utilize simulation software and CAD tools to model, visualize, and optimize production layouts and workflows.

Quality Systems & Standards Support the implementation and maintenance of automotive quality systems and tools, including APQP, PPAP, Gage R&R, Process Capability studies, Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), PFMEA, and Process Control Plans (PCP). Uphold a culture of quality and process discipline throughout the facility.

Qualifications Seeking:

Education Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering required; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.

Minimum of 3 years of progressive responsibility in problem-solving and facilitating improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment

Experience with rubber or plastic products is highly desirable

Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering continuous improvement results at the floor level

Strong knowledge of Six Sigma principles, Lean Manufacturing concepts, and project management methodologies

Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as Minitab or equivalent

Experience with simulation software such as ARENA or equivalent

Proficiency in 2D layout design using CAD software

Intermediate to advanced skills in time and motion studies and capacity evaluations

Project management experience, including proficiency with Gantt charts and related tools

Familiarity with automotive quality systems including APQP, PPAP, Gage R&R, PFMEA, PFD, and Process Control Plans

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Strong data-driven problem-solving skills with the ability to develop and maintain performance metrics