Columbia Energy is hiring: Manufacturing Engineer in Richland
Columbia Energy, Richland, WA, US, 99352
Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Richland, WA
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services
Salary: $90,000 - $125,000 DOE
About Columbia Energy
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a proven track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision.
Our collaborative and experienced team is committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to address a wide range of challenges. With a growing presence in Idaho Falls, ID, we continue to expand our capabilities while maintaining our reputation for quality, safety, and integrity.
Why Join Columbia Energy?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to play a critical role in shaping how we deliver custom, complex fabrication projects. You will have the opportunity to improve production processes, strengthen quality, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. We value engineers who are hands-on problem solvers, effective collaborators, and motivated to make a direct impact on both shop operations and project outcomes.
Position Overview
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes across welding, machining, forming, cutting, and assembly operations. Your work will directly support shop productivity, product quality, and the successful execution of custom projects.
This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, custom manufacturing environment, can translate engineering intent into practical shop-floor solutions, and has a continuous improvement mindset. You'll collaborate closely with design, production, planning, and quality teams while also interfacing with vendors and suppliers to ensure efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Process Development & Optimization
- Develop and refine fabrication processes for welding, machining, sheet metal, cutting, forming, and assembly operations
- Determine workflow and select tools, equipment, and techniques to maximize efficiency and minimize waste
- Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation
- Track and report progress of production tasks against schedule
- Provide hands-on technical support to production teams for troubleshooting and problem solving
- Review and interpret technical drawings, CAD models, and specifications to ensure manufacturability
- Partner with engineering/design teams to align designs with shop capabilities and fabrication best practices
- Lead Lean Manufacturing and process improvement initiatives to reduce costs and increase throughput
- Identify opportunities for automation, tooling upgrades, and process enhancements
- Analyze workflow, material flow, and labor utilization for ongoing improvement
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and customer specifications
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance to implement corrective actions and improve inspection processes
- Promote and support safe work practices and ergonomically sound processes
- Manage and support engineering projects from concept through implementation
- Collaborate with Business Development and Project Management to align labor, materials, and contractual requirements for awarded jobs
- Interface with vendors and suppliers on tooling, materials, and equipment procurement
- Identify and recommend potential capital investments
- Lead the installation and integration of new equipment
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
- 5+ years of experience in a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment preferred
- Strong knowledge of fabrication processes such as welding, machining, sheet metal, and cutting technologies (laser, plasma, waterjet)
- Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar)
- CAM (Mastercam) programming experience a plus
- Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing or other continuous improvement methodologies
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project coordination skills
- Ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced, hands-on, custom manufacturing environment
- Solutions-oriented engineer with strong technical ownership
- Effective communicator and cross-functional collaborator
- Organized and proactive in managing multiple priorities
- Professional under pressure, adaptable, and driven to deliver results
- Ability to move between office and shop floor environments
- Periodic standing, walking, bending, and lifting of items up to 30 lbs.
- Comfortable wearing required PPE in fabrication and test areas
Working Conditions
This role is based in Richland, WA, with day-to-day interaction across both office and shop environments. While much of the work involves process development, documentation, and design support, frequent presence on the shop floor is expected to support troubleshooting, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.