Manufacturing Engineer

Department: Contract Manufacturing Services (CMS) - Metals
Reports to: Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer supports Contract Manufacturing operations by driving performance improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC). This role focuses on improving OEE, throughput, yield, and labor efficiency through effective process execution, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. The Manufacturing Engineer works closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Sales to ensure stable production, successful program launches, and profitable customer programs.

Job Responsibilities

1. Develop and maintain bills of materials (BOMs) and routings to support accurate costing, scheduling, and efficient production flow.
2. Support quoting and program launches by developing cost models and evaluating manufacturing feasibility.
3. Define, implement, and sustain manufacturing processes that improve throughput, cycle time, and capacity utilization.
4. Drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by addressing availability, performance, and quality losses.
5. Lead and support LEAN manufacturing, 5S, Visual Management, and standard work initiatives.
6. Partner with Production and Maintenance to reduce downtime, improve changeover performance, and increase equipment reliability.
7. Support Sales, Quality, and Production teams on large or critical jobs to ensure customer requirements are met and delivery targets are achieved.
8. Analyze production data to identify trends impacting SQDC metrics and implement corrective actions.
9. Lead and participate in Continuous Improvement and Kaizen activities focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost reduction.
10. Apply Process Capability and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to improve yield, reduce variation, and prevent defects.
11. Develop and maintain production work instructions, routings, and quality documentation to support consistent execution.
12. Support test, inspection, and validation activities, including data review and root cause analysis.
13. Interface with customers as needed to support operations, launches, and issue resolution.
14. Perform other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Industrial preferred) or equivalent manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of manufacturing or industrial experience in a production environment.
• Demonstrated experience improving SQDC, OEE, throughput, and yield.
• Strong problem-solving skills using structured methods (e.g., root cause analysis, corrective action).
• Experience working with cross-functional manufacturing teams.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and PC-based manufacturing and project tools.
• Experience with blueprint reading, GD&T, and SPC methods.
• Working knowledge of laser processing methods, material science, and CNC programming.
• Ability to work independently on the shop floor and in office environments.
• Candidates must successfully pass an annual vision and color perception examination to ensure they can meet the essential visual requirements of the role.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

Physical Demands

• Vision Requirements: These requirements can be met with the help of corrective lenses (glasses/contacts) unless there is a strictly regulated safety reason why they cannot be.
  • Near Vision: Must possess the ability to perceive detail at close range (within 16 inches of the observer).
  • Far Vision: n/a
  • Color Perception: The ability to identify and distinguish between colors, shades, and brightness levels is required for identifying or interpreting welding/metal work.
• Handling and near vision- over 4 hours a day.
• Lifting and carrying up to 10 lbs., talking, hearing, and working alone 3-5 hours a day.
• Walking and reading 2-3 hours a day.
• Standing, sitting, stooping, and crouching up to 4 hours a day.

All Preco, LLC employees are empowered to stop production and notify their supervisor/manager if an unsafe act or product quality concern is occurring.  Also, each member of the Preco – Somerset team is responsible for identifying continuous improvement opportunities and participating in problem-solving teams as necessary