Production Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Wanco Inc. is seeking a hands-on Production Engineer to join our Arvada team. This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer who wants to build hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role plays a key part in improving assembly efficiency, manufacturability (DFA), and overall production performance. You will work closely with operations teams to optimize processes, reduce waste, including quality defects.

 

This is a highly visible, shop-floor-focused role ideal for someone who enjoys solving real-world manufacturing challenges and driving continuous improvement.

 

What You’ll Do

· Identify and address key production bottlenecks impacting cycle time, efficiency, and output

· Collaborate with design engineering to incorporate Design for Assembly (DFA) improvements

· Lead and support lean manufacturing initiatives, including 5S and waste reduction projects

· Develop and optimize line balance, cell layouts, and process flows

· Create, implement, and sustain work instructions, visual controls, and standardized processes

· Document production processes and maintain accurate manufacturing requirements

· Update drawings, specifications, and process-related Engineering Change Requests (ECRs)

· Participate in design reviews and provide feedback based on shop floor learnings

· Manage project timelines, including scheduling and cost tracking for improvement initiatives

 

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

· 1–3+ years of experience in production or manufacturing engineering (electromechanical assemblies preferred)

· Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS and Microsoft Office Suite

· Strong problem-solving skills with experience identifying and resolving production issues

· Experience with root cause analysis tools (e.g., cause-and-effect/Fishbone diagrams)

· Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and 5S practices

· Experience developing work instructions, one-point lessons, and visual workplace systems

· Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams

· Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and implement solutions

 

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with ISO 9001:2015 standards

· Exposure to project management, including capital (CAPEX) projects

· Experience with SMED or quick changeover techniques

· Knowledge of line balancing and cellular manufacturing design

· Process mapping experience

· Exposure to budget planning or cost tracking in a manufacturing environment

 

Why Join Wanco?

· Strong learning environment in manufacturing

· Opportunity to work on real improvements that impact production performance

· Collaborative team culture with mentorship from experienced operations leaders

· Opportunity for growth

 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

· Work in a manufacturing environment with regular shop floor interaction

· Ability to stand, walk, and engage with production equipment as needed

· Use of standard office equipment, including computers

· Adherence to PPE and safety requirements

· Occasional travel may be required

 

Reporting: This position reports to the Director of Operations.

Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000 per year based on qualifications.

Benefits : Insurance (Medical, Dental, Life, 401k). Paid time off and holidays.

Wanco Inc. Address: 5870 Tennyson St. Arvada, CO 80003 | wanco.com

Company Description

Wanco is the industryʼs leading manufacturer of highway safety and traffic control products. Innovation and new product development have made us what we are, and will continue to carry our reputation forward, well into the future.

Wanco provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Company Description

Wanco is the industryʼs leading manufacturer of highway safety and traffic control products. Innovation and new product development have made us what we are, and will continue to carry our reputation forward, well into the future.\r\rWanco provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.