Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for leading the plant’s engineering support functions and strategic improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence, cost reduction, quality performance, and safety. This role serves as a key change agent in building a culture of continuous improvement, Lean thinking, and data-driven decision making. The Manufacturing Engineer partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Corporate Engineering to ensure robust processes, reliable equipment, and successful product launches.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Provide technical direction and support for all plant engineering activities including process design, equipment modifications, tooling, and automation opportunities.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with EHS regulations, internal quality systems, and customer requirements.
• Partner with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability, uptime, and preventive maintenance effectiveness.
• Support Quality in improving process capability, defect reduction, and compliance to customer specifications.
• Lead capital projects including justification, budgeting, installation, validation, and commissioning.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, technical documentation, and process specifications.
• Collaborate with Corporate Engineering and CI resources to implement best practices and standard methodologies.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Leadership

• Serve as the Tenneco Manufacturing Systems (TMS) Plant Lead, driving deployment and sustainability of CI standards.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Six Sigma methodologies across all plant functions.
• Lead structured problem solving and root cause analysis using A3, 5-Why, Fishbone, SPC, and other CI tools.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute waste elimination and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Track, analyze, and report CI metrics including productivity, scrap, safety, and delivery performance.
• Facilitate CI events and workshops aligned with annual plant objectives.
• Coach and mentor supervisors, engineers, and operators on CI tools, behaviors, and expectations.

New Product Launch & APQP Leadership

• Serve as the plant lead for APQP activities for new and transferred programs.
• Lead development and execution of PFMEAs, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and Work Instructions.
• Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements, particularly Ford manufacturing and quality standards.
• Support PPAP preparation, run-at-rate activities, and launch readiness.
• Drive launch discipline to ensure safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets are achieved.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and develop a small team of engineering and CI support personnel.
• Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute the annual strategic plan and CI roadmap.
• Support production planning and manufacturing readiness for new programs and process changes.
• Drive standardization and documentation of processes, work instructions, and training materials.
• Promote accountability, ownership, and engagement across all departments.

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline required.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing or engineering experience, with at least 2 years in a CI or leadership-focused role.
• Strong working knowledge of APQP and Core Tools, with advanced proficiency in PFMEA development and facilitation.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred (Green Belt or Black Belt).
• Automotive or Tier 1 manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

Core Competencies

Technical & Process Excellence

• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, automation, and equipment optimization.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and customer-specific requirements.
• Ability to translate engineering theory into practical, shop-floor solutions.

Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Demonstrates a passion for Lean principles and CI culture building.
• Uses data and KPIs to drive decisions and sustain improvements.
• Actively seeks out inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.

Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking

• Applies structured problem-solving methodologies effectively.
• Analyzes complex data sets to identify trends and root causes.
• Balances urgency with disciplined, long-term solutions.

Leadership & Influence

• Leads by example with a hands-on, collaborative approach.
• Coach others and builds CI capability across the organization.
• Influences without authority and drives cross-functional alignment.

Project Management & Execution

• Manages multiple priorities and projects effectively.
• Delivers results on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Maintains strong organization and follow-through.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicates clearly at all levels of the organization.
• Builds strong partnerships across Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and corporate teams.
• Facilitates productive meetings, CI events, and technical discussions.

Adaptability & Accountability

• Thrives in a fast-paced, changing manufacturing environment.
• Takes ownership for results and drives accountability.
• Demonstrates resilience and solution-focused thinking.

Skills & Technical Proficiencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Experience with CAD software and ERP systems (SAP or Oracle preferred).
• Strong data analysis, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Excellent organization, documentation, and standardization capability.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment.
• Must be able to work flexible hours as needed to support production, launches, and CI events.
• Regular exposure to industrial noise, temperature variations, and machine operations.

Other

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, to meet business needs.