Delano, MN

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with customer product specifications and quality standards.  Recommends and implements improvements to production processes, methods and controls.  Manages project(s) and coordinates manufacturing launch for new or revised customer products from initial design assistance through tool build and production approval.

Engineering/New Product Development/Engineering Change Orders

• Establishes the manufacturing processes and parameters for the customer products made in Delano.
• Ensures that new projects/transfers meet the customer’s quality criteria and the process runs within the established standards prior to releasing the product to production.
• Coordinates and manages new projects from tool order through production approval and monitors thereafter. (molding parameters and secondary processes then incorporated into M2M)
• Develops and writes equipment specifications, performance requirements, cost analysis and proposal for integrating machinery and equipment into manufacturing process.
• Prepares quotations for fixture, tool and engineering requirements to be used for customers.
• Coordinates all aspects of a part such as:  standard/routing, processes appropriate paperwork (control plans, FMEA, Process Flow), designs and creates prints, attends pattern reviews, designs and sets up work cells, initiates input for new part into M2M, quotes and schedules tool modifications, researches and purchases tools for new parts and uploads Data Loggers.
• Compiles and configures required process control documentation.

Continuous Improvement

• Measures the performance of the facility in regards to engineering and drive the corrective actions needed to meet the stated objectives.  Supports and drives continuous improvement process.

Customer Support/Production Support

• Helps customers design for manufacturability by:  initial design consultation, helping customer minimize costs of product, reviewing scrap trends and design root causes out of products, conducting comprehensive design reviews.
• Reviews/provides input into quotation process and project development. 
• Manages customer relations for engineering issues.  Improves our ability to communicate and interact with customers at the technical engineering level.  Educates customers our products and processes.
• Visits customer sites to discuss and resolve any problems with supplied parts, as needed.  Identifies, reviews and selects tools to improve customer support.
• Provides daily support to production staff by answering questions, assisting with problem resolution and providing them with the knowledge necessary for them to be successful in their jobs.

Experience:

Associates or Bachelors degree necessary.  One (1) to three (3) years of experience desirable.

Other Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proven ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.  Ability to design fixtures and determine effective, safe manufacturing processes.  Ability to apply statistical techniques to the workplace. 

Ability to multi-task and handle multiple projects at the same time.

Knowledgeable about trimming equipment and the type of work that can be accomplished with them; knowledgeable about rotational molding and the parameters that impact the process; knowledgeable about CNC programming. 

Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.  Ability to effectively lead people to accomplish an objective.  Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve.  Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel), Microsoft Outlook, Internet Explorer, and other computer based software and or systems, such as Pro Engineering and Rotolog.  Working knowledge of M2M software.

Forklift certification desirable.

Ability to travel up to 5% to customer locations, via automobile and/or airplane.

Required: Associates or Bachelors Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, with an emphasis in Plastics.  Coursework in the following necessary:  Technical Writing, AutoCad, ProE, Statistical Control Process Controls, Manufacturing Processes and Algebra/Geometry. 

 Desired:  Coursework in Mistake Proofing (Poke-Yoke), 5S, Visual Management & Lean Manufacturing.  

Certifications:  Six Sigma desirable

This position requires an individual to see and hear 8+ hours per day.  Incumbent is required to have visual acuity to perform activities such as viewing a computer terminal, analyzing data, etc.

 Requires the ability to sit, stand and walk up to 8+ hours per day.  Requires the ability to work at a rapid speed, twist, bend, push, pull, carry, stoop, lift, reach and grasp 8+ hours per day for activities such as working on equipment, making repairs, etc.  Requires continuous finger movement and keyboard usage for data entry, carrying and using welding equipment, tools, etc

Ability to lift 50+ pounds on a regular basis.