Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Indiana

Our growing manufacturing client, located in north-central Indiana, is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to play a key role in the design, planning, and startup of a brand-new manufacturing facility. This role will lead the planning of manufacturing processes, selection of production equipment, facility layout, and material flow for production of large, heavy fabricated steel components.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the manufacturing strategy for a new production facility.
• Design efficient manufacturing workflows and optimize material flow throughout the plant.
• Plan production areas to maximize safety, productivity, quality, and throughput.
• Lead the evaluation, specification, and procurement of manufacturing equipment, including:
• CNC laser, plasma, and punch press cutting systems
• CNC press brakes and panel bending equipment
• Robotic and manual welding systems
• Automated and manual powder coating systems
• Automated and manual wet paint systems
• Material handling equipment, cranes, conveyors, carts, and other production support systems
• Work closely with equipment suppliers to evaluate technologies, develop specifications, and oversee installation and commissioning.
• Develop manufacturing processes and work instructions for fabricated steel assemblies.
• Recommend automation opportunities that improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Analyze production capacity and develop plant layouts that support future growth.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure successful facility startup.
• Support equipment acceptance testing, process validation, and production ramp up.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in heavy fabrication, structural steel, power generation, industrial equipment, or similar industries.
• Demonstrated experience planning or commissioning new manufacturing facilities or major facility expansions.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication processes including cutting, forming, welding, painting, and finishing.
• Experience specifying and purchasing capital equipment.
• Strong understanding of plant layout, material flow, and manufacturing logistics.
• Experience designing efficient workflows for large, heavy components.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with equipment vendors, contractors, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience with robotic welding and automated manufacturing systems.
• Familiarity with overhead crane systems and heavy material handling.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other factory layout software.
• PMP certification or project management experience is a plus.