Manufacturing Engineer - 251719

Manufacturing Engineer – Aluminum Die Casting

On-site: Pleasant Prairie, WI

Salary: 95 - 130K

*** not accepting C2C ***

Company Summary

Our client is a leading manufacturer of precision aluminum components for the automotive industry. Their Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin facility supports high-volume production of structural and drivetrain applications for major OEM and Tier 1 customers. The site utilizes aluminum die casting, CNC machining, automation, assembly, and quality systems to deliver high-quality components in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for overseeing and optimizing aluminum die casting production processes to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. This role provides technical leadership for process development, continuous improvement initiatives, new product launches, and capital projects. Success in this position requires strong die casting expertise, process engineering knowledge, and a solid understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Leadership

• Promote and model safe work practices throughout the manufacturing environment.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to Process Technicians, Set-Up Technicians, and other production support personnel.
• Deliver timely performance feedback and support employee development.

Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Develop, implement, document, and optimize die casting manufacturing processes.
• Establish engineering objectives focused on improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and equipment utilization.
• Support and drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve operational performance.
• Implement mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions and other process improvements to minimize defects and reduce human error.
• Monitor and sustain process performance on existing production programs.

Quality & Production Support

• Analyze scrap and defect trends using quality and MRB data and implement corrective actions to improve performance.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective action activities in partnership with the Quality team.
• Review and approve process documentation, work instructions, control plans, and PIM books for accuracy and effectiveness.
• Coordinate PPAP submissions and "Run-at-Rate" production trials for new and modified products.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality standards and customer requirements.

New Product Launch & Project Management

• Lead manufacturing readiness activities for new product launches.
• Coordinate process development, equipment requirements, and production validation activities.
• Manage die casting capital projects and budgets to achieve targeted return on investment objectives.
• Develop facility layouts and workflow improvements to maximize efficiency, material flow, and floor space utilization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5–7 years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably within aluminum die casting operations.
• Hands-on knowledge of die casting processes, tooling, and production equipment.
• Experience supporting high-volume automotive manufacturing environments preferred.
• CAD/CAM experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and ergonomic design concepts.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and automotive quality systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.