Manufacturing Engineer

Description

Tramec is currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our Tramec Sloan facility in Iola, KS.

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer develops, implements, validates, and continuously improves manufacturing processes, tooling, work instructions, fixtures, equipment, and production documentation at the Iola, Kansas facility. This position works closely with Product Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Purchasing, the Tool Room, and suppliers to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

The Manufacturing Engineer leads new product launches, production troubleshooting, equipment implementation, process validation, engineering documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring manufacturing processes are efficient, standardized, and capable of meeting customer requirements.

Essential Job Functions:

Manufacturing Process Engineering

• Develop and continuously improve manufacturing processes.
• Lead implementation of production equipment, automation, and tooling.
• Evaluate processes for safety, quality, efficiency, ergonomics, capacity, and productivity.
• Plan and execute process validation and capability studies.
• Lead troubleshooting and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Provide hands-on engineering support on the production floor.

Tooling & Fixtures

• Design manufacturing fixtures, gauges, and tooling.
• Define requirements and coordinate internal or external fabrication.
• Maintain tooling drawings, documentation, and revision history.
• Evaluate tooling performance and implement improvements.
• Establish preventative maintenance and spare-parts requirements.
• Develop prototype and production tooling.

New Product Launch Support

• Lead APQP manufacturing activities.
• Conduct production readiness reviews and resolve launch risks.
• Develop manufacturing processes and work instructions for new products.
• Plan and support prototype, pilot, and launch builds.
• Develop PPAP manufacturing documentation.
• Validate production processes, equipment, and tooling before launch.
• Coordinate manufacturing engineering activities during product launches.

Manufacturing Documentation

Develop and maintain: 

• Manufacturing work instructions
• Visual work aids and setup instructions
• Standard operating procedures
• Process flow diagrams and manufacturing layouts
• PFMEAs and control plans
• Tooling and equipment documentation
• Review and implement Engineering Change Notices (ECNs).
• Maintain accurate manufacturing drawings and controlled documentation.

Production Support

• Provide daily engineering support to production departments.
• Lead line balancing, capacity, and workstation improvements.
• Improve material presentation, workflow, and ergonomics.
• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods.
• Implement improvements to increase throughput and reduce waste.
• Lead the manufacturing implementation of engineering changes.

Equipment Support

• Develop specifications for new manufacturing equipment.
• Coordinate supplier design reviews and equipment acceptance activities.
• Lead equipment installation, qualification, and validation.
• Develop equipment operating and training documentation.
• Coordinate with Maintenance on equipment reliability and improvements.
• Conduct machine capability and capacity evaluations.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Plan and facilitate Kaizen events.
• Implement and sustain 5S and standardized work.
• Lead waste reduction and productivity projects.
• Develop and execute cost reduction initiatives.
• Improve manufacturing flow, equipment utilization, and workstation organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

• Product Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Quality
• Production
• Maintenance
• Purchasing
• Tool Room
• Suppliers
• Lead engineering meetings, production meetings, launch reviews, capital project reviews, and continuous improvement activities.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 3-5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment.
• Experience developing and improving manufacturing processes in a production environment.
• Experience with tooling, fixtures, automation, production equipment, and project execution.
• Automotive, commercial vehicle, or heavy-duty truck manufacturing experience preferred.

Computer Skills:

• SolidWorks 
• AutoCAD 
• Microsoft Office Suite 
• Epicor (preferred) 
• ERP/MRP systems 
• Microsoft Teams 
• PDF editing software 
• PLC/HMI programming or troubleshooting familiarity (preferred)

Technical Knowledge:

Strong understanding of:

• Manufacturing process design and development
• Machining processes
• Assembly and test processes
• GD&T
• Engineering drawings and specifications
• Manufacturing documentation and document control
• APQP, PFMEA, and control plans
• PPAP
• Lean Manufacturing
• 5S and standardized work
• Root cause analysis and corrective action
• Statistical process control and process capability
• Fixture and tooling design
• Equipment specification and validation
• Pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical controls
• Manufacturing safety and ergonomics

Physical Requirements:

• Walking Sitting Standing
• Typing Reading
• Grasping Stooping Twisting
• Reaching Climbing Bending Stretching
• Lifting- up to 50lbs.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:
Along with competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, finances, and work-life balance, including:

• Medical & prescription coverage, including a high-cost specialty drug program (potential for $0 cost)
• Surgery & imaging program (potential for $0 cost)
• Dental and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-matched 401(k)
• Paid vacation and 10 paid holidays (including your birthday)
• On-demand pay (any day can be payday)
• $500 employee referral bonus
• $500 wellness visit drawing
• Gym membership credit
• Short- and long-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement and internal training opportunities
• Plus much more!

Employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. Tramec is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by applicable law. At this time, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship or relocation assistance for this position. We appreciate your understanding. #ZR