Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Founded in 1961, we are a growing manufacturing company. IMMI® is the trusted, global leader of safety solutions, helping to protect millions of lives every day. For over sixty-five years, IMMI has led the way in developing, designing, testing, and manufacturing innovative safety restraints and systems. IMMI’s safety products are found worldwide on car seats, heavy trucks, school buses, recreational/off road, military, fire/EMS, motor coach, and construction vehicles. IMMI recently became an ESOP giving team members the opportunity to become owners and share in the company’s future success. IMMI is a dynamic organization serving more than eleven markets and hundreds of customers across multiple countries. IMMI is also home to IMMI VIP steering wheels and CAPE®, the world’s leading state-of-the-art testing facility.

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for the design of manufacturing assets, tools, inventory, and equipment to ensure a safe, ergonomic, defect-free, and efficient manufacturing process that maximizes capital expenditures. This role will work closely with engineering, quality, new product development (NPD), applications, CPE, manufacturing, and project management to ensure operations can manufacture the full portfolio of products IMMI delivers to the marketplace. The Manufacturing Engineer will also assist operations in resolving day-to-day issues related to quality and inefficiencies. In addition, the role is accountable for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes within our automotive production environment to ensure that production systems deliver high-quality products efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively, while collaborating with cross-functional teams, including design, quality, maintenance, and production to improve throughput, reduce waste, and maintain compliance with industry standards.

The Manufacturing Engineer also supports the daily production and quality team in implementing and optimizing production processes, tooling, and equipment within high mix/low volume manufacturing environment. This role assists in process improvement, production troubleshooting, and quality assurance while ensuring operations meet safety, quality, and productivity standards. The Manufacturing Engineer works closely with engineers, production teams, and quality personnel to execute continuous improvement initiatives and support day-to-day manufacturing activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Data Analysis & Process Monitoring

• Obtain and analyze data from procedures, systems, and results to improve efficiency and optimize processes.
• Monitor equipment and production line performance, including downtime, operating expenses, and line efficiencies, applying Flow Manufacturing principles.
• Investigate variances, perform root cause analysis, and provide fact-based reporting on production performance.

Production Support & Process Implementation

• Assist in the setup, calibration, and maintenance of production equipment and tooling.
• Support implementation of process improvements and Lean Manufacturing initiatives 
• Troubleshoot day-to-day equipment or process issues to minimize downtime.
• Ensure production lines adhere to process standards, quality specifications, and productivity targets.

Process Improvement & Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement activities.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Assist in documenting SOPs, work instructions, process flows, and participate in process trials, validations, and prototype production runs.

Quality & Compliance Support

• Ensure production processes comply with company and customer quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for defects or process deviations.
• Assist with quality inspections to maintain First Pass Yield and minimize scrap.
• Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information, including prints, sketches, PDS, cost analysis, patents, and other proprietary materials.

Collaboration & Training

• Work closely with engineers, supervisors, and operators to implement process changes.
• Assist in training production personnel on new equipment, processes, and best practices.
• Facilitate communication between production and engineering teams to ensure smooth project execution.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Ensure adherence to OSHA, EPA, and company safety standards.
• Support ergonomic studies and implement safe work practices during process changes.

Skills & Qualifications:

Required:

• Associate’s degree or diploma in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing, production support, or continuous improvement role with covering of seats in commercial seating, foam spray seating with mechanical components.
• Basic understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with production equipment, tooling, and basic troubleshooting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Must comply with legal and corporate responsibilities.
• Experience in the application of APQP, including utilizing Design/Process FMEA in the execution of new and existing projects. 
• Ability to operate the appropriate systems such as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Projects, and any other computer software deemed necessary 
• Must comply with legal and corporate responsibilities.
• Willing to travel locally and abroad as needed. (typically, under 15% of time)

Preferred:

• Exposure to automotive manufacturing processes and quality standards (IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA).
• Knowledge of CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and basic manufacturing simulations.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and SPC tools.
• Lean or Six Sigma training or certification (Green Belt preferred).

Required Tools:

• 5-8 years’ experience in metal fabrication processes such as laser cutting, press brake bending, tube bending, manual welding, robotic welding, power coating.
• 3-5 years’ experience in vehicle seating or seating related processes (fabrication, assembly, foaming)
• CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project)
• SPC and process analysis tools
• Basic PLC, HMI, and robotic interfaces
• Root cause analysis and quality reporting tools
• Design and Process FMEA 
• Measurement and inspection tools (calipers, gauges, etc.)

Preferred Tools:

• CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
• ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle)
• SPC and data analysis tools
• Lean/CI software for process tracking and improvement

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to visually inspect and interpret designs on screen and in print.
• Use of functional Core Tools

Working Conditions/Environment:

• This work is deadline-oriented, requires multitasking, fluctuating work schedule, and flexibility within the workday.
• Frequent use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
• Requires the ability for close vision, distance vision and depth perception.
• Requires working and interacting with others, both in person and through phone, electronic, and written correspondence, and the ability to listen effectively, communicate clearly, maintain attention to detail, and perform focused work.
• The following motions can be required during the day: Standing or sitting for extended periods of time, stepping up & down, balancing, bending (hip & knees), reaching, standing, walking, pulling, pushing, lifting (from floor to waist, waist to chest, chest to head), observing, hearing, grasping, pressing, and other repetitive actions.
• When in the warehouse, this position requires working with dirt/dust and noise. The use of a variety of proper PPE is required to provide a safe working environment.
• This position requires working with various temperature conditions.
• This position may require extended travel.

Reporting Structure :

Reports to: Plant Manager 
Supervises: None

Location :

• Westfield, Indiana 
• Travel may be required (International if necessary)

Compensation Classification:

FLSA Status: Exempt (subject to review based on actual job duties and compensation)

Benefits: