Manufacturing Engineer (Design-Focused)

Location: Tenneco – Blacksburg, VA

Department: Manufacturing / Engineering

Reports To: Plant Engineering Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective production. This role combines hands-on plant support with engineering design capability, ensuring new and existing products can be manufactured to quality, cost, and delivery requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Process Engineering

• Design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes, work cells, and production layouts

• Provide day-to-day engineering support by troubleshooting process and equipment issues

• Develop and maintain standard work, work instructions, and process documentation

• Support new product launches, engineering changes, and process validations

• Participate in PFMEA, control plans, and process capability studies

• Support line balancing, capacity planning, and production readiness

Design & Tooling Responsibilities

• Design or support the design of fixtures, tooling, gauges, and material handling solutions

• Review designs for manufacturability, safety, and efficiency using DFM/DFA principles

• Utilize CAD software to create or review drawings and layouts

• Collaborate with suppliers on tool design, fabrication, and validation

• Support capital equipment specification, installation, and commissioning

Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction

• Lead or participate in lean manufacturing initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, waste elimination)

• Analyze KPIs such as scrap, downtime, OEE, and throughput to drive improvements

• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities

• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain

• Support internal and customer audits, trials, and technical reviews

• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience as a Manufacturing Engineer in a plant environment

Design & Technical Skills

• Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar)

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications

• Experience with tooling, fixtures, and gauges

• Knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, and process validation

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing methodologies

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an active manufacturing environment with noise and moving machinery

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the plant for extended periods

• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and platforms

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally

• Ability to wear required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe footwear

• Visual acuity sufficient to read drawings, documentation, and computer screens

Why Join Tenneco – Blacksburg

This role offers the opportunity to apply engineering design skills in a hands-on manufacturing environment and contribute directly to plant performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.