Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Our Mission

Task Force Tips (TFT) is a mission-driven company dedicated to building life-saving equipment and putting it in the hands of first responders. The quality, reliability, and performance of our products matter because people depend on them when conditions are at their worst.

We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer who is ready to turn ideas into practical solutions, improve how our products are made, and help ensure our manufacturing processes are efficient, reliable, and built for continuous improvement.

The Opportunity

As a Manufacturing Engineer at TFT, you will work hands-on with Production, Assembly, Engineering, and external vendors to solve manufacturing challenges, improve existing processes, and support the development of new products. You will evaluate designs for manufacturability and assembly, develop and test new concepts, improve tooling and processes, and use lean techniques to identify opportunities for greater efficiency. 

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys being close to the manufacturing process —someone who can move between technical design and the production floor, troubleshoot problems, analyze data, and turn engineering concepts into practical solutions. You’ll have the opportunity to make improvements that directly impact our products, manufacturing operations, and ultimately the first responders who rely on TFT equipment.

We’re looking for someone who brings technical curiosity, sound judgment, initiative, and a continuous-improvement mindset and who is comfortable managing multiple projects while collaborating across teams.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Including but not limited to):

The Manufacturing Engineer performs the following duties. This list includes the position's primary responsibilities but is not exhaustive.

• Collaborates with Production and Assembly department personnel to solve manufacturing and assembly problems.  
• Works with design modifications and related tooling for manufacture and assembly of products according to company policy, procedures and work instructions.
• Works with design team to analyze concepts of new product designs including judging feasibility for manufacture, assembly, function and reliability. Prepares cost estimates and analysis.
• Setup, perform and record testing of new concepts. Includes determining appropriate tests, develop specifications, oversee manufacture of test pieces, assembly and running tests. Assimilate test data and recommend design modifications as necessary.
• Provides training regarding various assembly and testing instructions, and tooling for products as needed.
• Redesigns and makes minor changes in existing parts to improve production, performance, and/or assembly.
• Responds to customer inquiries regarding technical issues and problems.
• Performs item file work and related status reports on computer as assigned, such as adding new items and bills of materials, editing existing items.
• Drafts and proofreads technical product documentation as assigned, such as product manuals, service procedures, assembly instructions, test instructions, graphs, charts.
• Locates and acquires purchased parts and materials for new projects.
• Works with vendors to solve problems as needed.
• Periodically attends and participates in trade shows.

• Develops skills from exposure to engineers and outside sources as assigned.
• Proactively offers suggestions for the improvement of a product, process or practice.
• Reviews and improves existing manufacturing processes using lean techniques.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:    

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/ or ability required. 

• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Prior engineering job experience of 3+ years required.
• Lean Certifications preferred.
• Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of manufacturing techniques such as machining, molding, and assembly.
• Working knowledge of and ability to operate computers, applicable software, and test equipment.
• Ability to conceptualize new product applications and modifications, determine feasibility, and develop into reliable new products.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with other company personnel, vendors and customers, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.
• Ability to work with others in a team environment with minimum supervision, work on several tasks at the same time, occasionally under time pressure.
• Ability to read, interpret, and generate detailed prints, sketches, layouts and specifications.
• Ability to plan and layout assigned work projects and prepare detailed reports.
• Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town, sometimes overnight 

DIFFICULTY OF WORK AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

The work environment conditions described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  

The Manufacturing Engineer’s duties are broad in scope, involving many variables and considerations.  Work is performed according to technical specifications and company goals, objectives, policies and procedures, exercising independent judgment in designing high-quality new products, developing specifications, interpreting precedents, adapting methods and procedures to fit varying conditions.

This role makes a substantial contribution to the company's strategic plan, with decisions impacting other departments and overall company profit.  Incumbent works with minimum direct supervision according to department goals and objectives, discussing with supervisor unusual or unprecedented situations, such as functional parts that compromise appearance of finished product and status of special projects for supervisor.   Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment, technical accuracy and compliance with Department policy.

Most duties are performed in a standard office environment using a computer and time spent in a machine shop/manufacturing setting.  Frequently works with others in a team environment with minimum supervision and often working on several tasks at the same time, occasionally with time pressure.

Occasionally works extended, weekend and/or evening hours, and occasionally travels out of town, sometimes overnight.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The physical demands and work environment described below represent those an employee typically encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Most duties are performed in a machine shop and office setting. The employee may be exposed to normal manufacturing noise, odors, dust, dirt, moving equipment, and other shop conditions. Required safety precautions and personal protective equipment must be used at all times to avoid injury to the employee and others.
• The position requires close vision and regular computer use; frequent standing and walking for extended periods; grasping, handling, and fingering objects; and lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• The employee frequently works independently and with others in a team environment with minimal supervision and may work rapidly for extended periods, handle several tasks at once, and work under time pressure.

We offer an excellent benefits package including: 

• Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance (Effective on the 1st of the month after hire.)
• Short and Long-Term Disability 
• Life Insurance 
• Vacation & PTO Days
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 Paid Holidays 
• 401K plan and Profit-Sharing Plan
• Quarterly Bonus
• Employee Recognition Program “We appreciate our ALL STARS”
• Off- Site Health Clinic
• On-site Fitness Center
• Tuition Assistance
• And more!

*All Hires are subject to a background check and drug test