Manufacturing Engineer Job at ZipRecruiter in Vonore

Overview

We’re hiring a Manufacturing Engineer with 2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing, process, or production engineering role to help us elevate the performance of our high-volume automotive assembly operations. Our plant combines the best of automated and traditional assembly techniques to deliver world-class products at scale—and we’re looking for a high-energy, hands-on problem solver to help us keep getting better.

This is a career-building opportunity for an engineer who wants to work shoulder-to-shoulder with operators, identify inefficiencies, and lead both floor-level improvements and high-level process innovation. One day you might be troubleshooting downtime on a CNC cell, and the next you’re designing a new process flow, running time studies, or helping justify capital improvements.

As you grow, so will your impact. You’ll take on increasing ownership of capital projects, contribute to Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives, and have opportunities to mentor junior engineers and help shape our engineering team’s growth. We’re a collaborative, fast-paced environment that values initiative, curiosity, and results.

If you’re excited by making things better every day, we want to talk.

Responsibilities

• Optimize production processes to improve throughput, reduce scrap, and enhance overall quality—through a mix of floor engagement, data analysis, and creative problem-solving.
• Lead and contribute to CI initiatives, from time studies and root cause analyses to running Kaizen events, building standard work, and helping deploy lean automation solutions.
• Engage directly with operators and technicians to gather feedback, identify pain points, and develop practical, frontline-informed solutions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Corporate Engineering to resolve technical challenges and execute improvements.
• Support and lead capital projects, including spec’ing and installing new equipment, coordinating vendors, and driving ROI-focused upgrades.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, contributing to a positive, growth-oriented team culture.
• Track and report key performance metrics—downtime, scrap, cycle times, OEE—and use data to drive improvements.
• Partner with suppliers and customers on product specs, quality standards, and process validation.
• Stay current on emerging manufacturing technology—robotics, vision systems, digital twins, etc.—and help bring innovation to the plant floor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical)
• 2–5 years of experience in manufacturing, process, or production engineering roles (more junior candidates will be considered)
• Experience with lean manufacturing, process optimization, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working with frontline personnel
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, work under pressure, and troubleshoot production challenges effectively.
• Basic knowledge of applicable quality, health, safety, and environmental management systems.

Bonus Skills

• Familiarity with CNC processes, controls, tooling geometry, machine tool processes, and fixture design.
• Proficiency with automated, semi-automated, and manual automotive assembly equipment and cell design.
• Understanding of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical control systems.
• PLC programming and robotics experience
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and CI tools (5 Why, fishbone, SMED, etc.)
• Experience with capital projects or equipment commissioning a plus

Physical Requirements

• Able to walk approximately 3–7 miles per day.
• Perform repetitive motions while walking or standing.
• Stand/walk for the duration of the shift.
• Visually check for minute details during quality checks and detect details.
• Able to lift 35 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Paid healthcare, holidays, and vacation
• 401(k) matching program
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
• Collaborative, innovative, and fast-paced work environment