Equipment Engineer (General)

Reports to: Equipment Engineering Manager

Location: Holland, MI

Summary

As an Equipment Engineer, you will support equipment troubleshooting and breakdowns, improve equipment through programming and design to increase overall efficiency and productivity, and provide technical guidance on controls within the plant to share foundational equipment knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Analyze equipment performance data, including OEE, downtime, microstops, breakdown trends, and yield metrics, to identify opportunities for improvement and increase equipment reliability and productivity

• Troubleshoot equipment issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve manufacturing performance

• Support equipment modifications, upgrades, redesigns, and technology-based improvements, including PLC programming, automation enhancements, and process optimization initiatives

• Assist with the installation, commissioning, validation, and startup of new equipment, technologies, and production lines

• Develop and maintain equipment documentation, specifications, work instructions, and preventive maintenance procedures

• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Process Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to resolve equipment-related issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives

• Provide technical guidance and training on equipment operation, controls, and baseline systems and standards

• Participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve equipment performance and reliability

• Complete required documentation, reports, audits, and engineering records accurately and timely

• Follow established work instructions and standard operating procedures

• Adhere to all safety requirements, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Maintain cleanliness at the work site in accordance with 5S3R standards (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain; Right Location, Right Quantity, Right Container)

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience)

• Equipment Engineer I: 1+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation, equipment engineering, maintenance engineering, or related experience

• Equipment Engineer II: 3+ years of experience with equipment installation, troubleshooting, process improvements, and manufacturing equipment optimization

• Senior Equipment Engineer: 5+ years of progressively responsible experience leading complex equipment improvements, automation projects, equipment installations, and continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment

Skills

• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment, automation systems, and engineering principles

• Equipment troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills

• Continuous improvement and problem-solving capabilities

• Project and process management skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Experience with PLCs, automation systems, and manufacturing controls preferred

• Experience with 2D/3D design software and engineering tools preferred

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• Demonstrated initiative and commitment to continuous learning and improvement