Production Engineer – Wire Harness & Automation

Re:Build Manufacturing; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Re:Build Manufacturing in Michigan is seeking a Production Engineer to design, implement, and sustain wire harness manufacturing processes, equipment, and procedures. You\'ll research automation, test new systems, and plan production line layouts to optimize output.

You’ll evaluate current processes, ensure compliance with IPC/WHMA-620, apply Lean/TOC principles, and collaborate with maintenance and cross-functional teams to improve efficiency and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with experience in product development and/or manufacturing or equivalent job experience.
• Wire harness expertise strongly preferred.
• 3–5 years demonstrated ability in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of production equipment for purchase, installation, and repair.
• Leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and information technology skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluating existing wire harness manufacturing processes including cutting, stripping, crimping, and assembly operations and identifying areas for improvement.
• Ensuring manufacturing processes, equipment, and wire harness products comply with safety/quality standards and regulations (e.g., IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 workmanship standards).
• Analyze production processes, schedules, methods and other data and then provide management with reports containing the data and statistics to enable management to better understand future requirements needed for the wire harness manufacturing process.
• Able to apply Lean / TOC production principles and practices to the wire harness manufacturing environment.
• Works with all levels of the organization to identify and implement process improvements.
• Works closely with maintenance to ensure the maintainability of new installations, such as automated cut/strip/crimp machines, crimp presses, and testing equipment, by implementing an effective predictive and preventative program.
• Ensures workplace safety with heavy focus on operator ergonomics.
• Improve labor productivity/efficiency through collaborative efforts with cross‑functional teams.
• Improve workstation layout, workflow, and harness assembly methods, including assembly boards and workstations.
• Responsible for in‑house process validations, must be well‑versed in process qualification/validation (including crimp pull‑force testing and crimp cross‑section analysis).
• Supports NPD teams with DFM direction for wire harness and cable assembly designs.
• Support Product/Process validation and verification.
• Perform engineering changes/product improvements to sustain current wire harness production.
• Write, update, and approve production processes and procedures, including work instructions and routing for harness builds.
• Work with quality department in effort to resolve production and supplier nonconformities.
• Liaising with suppliers, customers and research and development staff.
• Research, purchase, and/or implement new equipment, processes, procedures, and systems, such as crimp force monitors, automated wire processing equipment, and continuity/hi‑pot test systems.
• Provide technical expertise and support to production personnel on the wire harness line.

Skills

Wire harness expertise

Manufacturing experience

Leadership

Education

BS in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Re:Build Manufacturing in Michigan is seeking a Production Engineer to design, implement, and sustain wire harness manufacturing processes, equipment, and procedures. You\'ll research automation, test new systems, and plan production line layouts to optimize output.

You’ll evaluate current processes, ensure compliance with IPC/WHMA-620, apply Lean/TOC principles, and collaborate with maintenance and cross-functional teams to improve efficiency and safety.