Manufacturing Engineer II

Manufacturing Engineer II
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Company: R&L Spring Company

Job Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer II is responsible for the development, implementation, improvement, and optimization of safe, capable, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. This position independently leads complex engineering and process improvement activities and works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, R&D, and other functions to improve manufacturing performance, resolve complex technical issues, support new product introduction, and establish sustainable processes and standards.

The Manufacturing Engineer II is an experienced engineering role with responsibility for independently managing significant engineering projects, applying engineering principles and structured problem-solving methods, and making sound technical recommendations. The successful candidate is mechanically inclined, analytical, comfortable working on the manufacturing floor, and capable of translating complex manufacturing challenges into practical, sustainable solutions.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop, optimize, and document manufacturing processes to support safety, quality, delivery, productivity, capacity, and cost objectives.
• Independently analyze manufacturing processes, production data, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and process optimization.
• Lead investigations of complex equipment, tooling, process, and product-quality issues using structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis.
• Develop and implement process improvements, standard work, work instructions, process flows, control methods, and other manufacturing documentation.
• Design, develop, modify, and implement tooling, fixtures, gauges, production aids, layouts, and other manufacturing solutions.
• Create and revise 3D models, assemblies, layouts, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Evaluate engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and requirements and provide recommendations related to manufacturability, process capability, and production methods.
• Lead prototypes, production trials, new product introductions, process changes, equipment installations, and process qualification activities.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and process optimization principles to reduce waste, improve capability, increase throughput, and optimize manufacturing efficiency.
• Lead cross-functional engineering and continuous improvement projects, coordinating activities and priorities with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, R&D, and other stakeholders.
• Develop project plans, establish priorities, monitor progress, and communicate project status, risks, and results to appropriate stakeholders.
• Measure, analyze, and communicate the results of process improvements and provide recommendations based on technical and operational data.
• Support capacity planning, production flow, labor utilization, equipment utilization, and manufacturing cost improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for automation, equipment improvements, process standardization, and other technologies that improve manufacturing performance.
• Provide technical guidance and support to Manufacturing Engineering Technicians and Manufacturing Engineer I employees.
• Serve as a technical resource to Production, Quality, Maintenance, and other departments on manufacturing processes and engineering-related issues.
• Maintain accurate engineering records and documentation and ensure compliance with applicable quality-system, safety, environmental, and document-control requirements.
• Participate in the development and implementation of engineering standards, manufacturing methods, and best practices.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and advanced practical understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and production systems.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, machining, fabrication, assembly, measurement systems, and/or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Proficient in SolidWorks or similar CAD software to create and modify parts, assemblies, layouts, and engineering drawings.
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and present technical information using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft 365 applications.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and project-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to apply structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis methods to complex manufacturing issues.
• Strong understanding and application of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through implementation activities.
• Ability to make sound technical recommendations based on engineering principles, data, and practical manufacturing considerations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence others without direct authority.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction and appropriately escalate complex, high-risk, or unfamiliar issues.
• Willingness to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor learning processes, equipment, and products and working directly with production personnel.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred/required in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related engineering or technical field.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant manufacturing engineering, manufacturing, tooling, machining, quality, maintenance, or production experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading manufacturing engineering or continuous improvement projects.
• Experience using SolidWorks or similar CAD software in a professional manufacturing environment.
• Experience with process development, process improvement, tooling, equipment, production trials, or new product introduction.
• Experience in wire forming, spring manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, or another precision or regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, root-cause analysis, process capability, measurement systems, equipment validation, process qualification, or similar manufacturing engineering methodologies preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Required to stand, walk, and use hands regularly.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing-floor environments, including observing operating equipment and interacting with production personnel.
• Ability to safely use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with posted safety requirements.

Why R&L Spring?

At R&L Spring, we believe in fostering a family-like, collaborative culture where employees are empowered to grow and succeed. Join us to build a rewarding career in manufacturing while making a real impact on our processes and products.

Ready to engineer your future? Apply today!

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.