Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Socket.dev; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

IEM in San Antonio, TX is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and support of advanced manufacturing processes. You will drive automation, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and ensure product manufacturability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

You will guide cross-functional teams across operations, quality, R&D and supply chain, mentor engineers, and champion lean methods to improve yield, throughput, and OEE while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 7–10+ years in a manufacturing engineering role in high-volume or complex electromechanical environments.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Standard Work, SPC expertise.
• CAD, ERP, MES experience; digital manufacturing and data analytics a plus.
• Automation systems, robotics, PLCs, machine vision in Industry 4.0.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management with cross-functional mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced manufacturing processes and production systems across new and existing product lines.
• Drive automation and Industry 4.0 initiatives to enable smart, data-driven manufacturing and improve operational agility.
• Serve as the technical authority in cross-functional teams involving operations, quality, R&D, and supply chain to ensure product manufacturability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Facilitate and lead high-impact kaizen events, root cause investigations (RCA), and the implementation of CAPA.
• Develop and maintain process documentation including flow diagrams, SOPs, work instructions, and training guides.
• Optimize production line layouts, material flow, and takt time using Lean methodologies to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Own and drive continuous improvement of KPIs such as yield, cycle time, scrap rate, and OEE.
• Lead capital project initiatives including equipment selection, procurement, commissioning, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Ensure all processes and equipment meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards (ISO, UL, OSHA, FDA as applicable).
• Champion cost reduction strategies through DFM, value engineering, and process automation.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Standard Work

Process Mapping

SPC

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Master's degree

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Tools

CAD software

ERP systems

MES

Data analytics

Job description

Position Summary

At IEM, we're not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we're shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, you'll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world's most dynamic markets.

IEM is currently seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer for our San Antonio, TX location and will report into the Director of Manufacturing Engineering. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer is a key technical leader responsible for driving strategic initiatives and delivering robust, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing solutions. This role oversees the development, optimization, and support of advanced manufacturing processes, with a focus on operational excellence, automation, and continuous improvement. The Senior Engineer will lead cross-functional efforts to implement cutting-edge technologies, ensure regulatory compliance, and achieve world-class performance in quality, safety, and throughput. This position demands deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, process validation, and smart manufacturing systems, as well as strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.

This position will be based temporarily in NE San Antonio while our new manufacturing plant is coming online. Our permanent location is approximately 25 minutes away at Brooks, 7515 Inner Circle Dr., San Antonio, 78235. The position is also 100% in-office and does not offer remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced manufacturing processes and production systems across new and existing product lines.
• Drive automation and Industry 4.0 initiatives to enable smart, data-driven manufacturing and improve operational agility.
• Serve as the technical authority in cross-functional teams involving operations, quality, R&D, and supply chain to ensure product manufacturability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Facilitate and lead high-impact kaizen events, root cause investigations (RCA), and the implementation of corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation including process flow diagrams, SOPs, work instructions, and training guides to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Optimize production line layouts, material flow, and takt time using Lean methodologies to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Own and drive continuous improvement of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as yield, cycle time, scrap rate, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
• Lead capital project initiatives including equipment selection, procurement, commissioning, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Ensure all processes and equipment meet applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards (e.g., ISO, UL, OSHA, FDA as applicable).
• Champion cost reduction strategies through design for manufacturability (DFM), value engineering, and process automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering; Master's degree or advanced technical certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt) strongly preferred.
• 7-10+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing engineering role, ideally within high-volume or complex electromechanical production environments.
• Proven expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Standard Work, process mapping, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Proficient with CAD software, ERP systems, and manufacturing execution systems (MES); experience with digital manufacturing tools and data analytics is a plus.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with automation systems, robotics, PLCs, machine vision, or other Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, with a track record of cross-functional collaboration and mentoring junior engineers.
• Demonstrated career ambition with a track record of growth and increasing responsibility; highly promotable with the potential to take on broader leadership roles within a fast-paced, high-growth organization.
• Strategic thinker with a continuous improvement mindset and a passion for driving operational excellence.

Workplace Conditions

• Office work is performed in an office setting that is climate controlled. Warehouse work is not climate controlled. Exposure to excessive heat and cold, wet/humid conditions, noise/vibration, hazards, dust, and fumes.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods (approximately 40% of the workday).
• Must be able to lift to 50 lbs.; Buddy lift up to 100 lbs. Mechanical assistance required for loads exceeding 100 lbs. (not added personnel).

The future is bright at IEM. As IEM accelerates into its next phase of growth in San Antonio, we expect to create new opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, logistics, and corporate functions. Keep an eye on our careers page to stay connected and explore the roles that will help power what's next.

Why Join IEM

At IEM, you'll join a team that powers some of the world's most ambitious projects. We're engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.

Learn more about IEM at https://www.iemfg.com

We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well‑being, growth, and long‑term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers

Non-Discrimination Statement

IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law.

Privacy

Information collected and processed as part of your IEM Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to IEM's Workforce Member Privacy Policy.

Use of AI

At IEM, we are committed to a fair and transparent hiring process. Use the link below to view how we use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in reviewing job applications and your rights as an applicant.

AI Use in IEM's Hiring Process