Manufacturing Process Engineer

Manufacturing Process Engineer

This role focuses on improving the manufacturing processes for windshield wiper systems in a largely manual, operator-driven assembly environment. You will assess an antiquated production process, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement practical, sustainable solutions that enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and material flow. You will create and maintain work instructions, standardized work, floor and cell layouts, and process and material flows, while partnering closely with operations, quality, and plant leadership to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes for windshield wiper systems and identify opportunities to modernize and improve efficiency in a primarily manual assembly environment.
• Develop and maintain clear work instructions, standardized work documents, floor and cell layouts, and process and material flow diagrams.
• Identify process conditions that create safety risks or ergonomic issues for production employees and propose engineering solutions to address them.
• Partner with plant leadership to implement engineering solutions that reduce safety exposure and improve ergonomics.
• Collaborate with Quality and Operations teams to investigate product defects and process failures.
• Lead root cause analysis for internal quality issues and customer concerns, using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring defects and process failures.
• Improve process capability to ensure manufacturing processes consistently meet product specifications and performance requirements.
• Lead the creation, review, and ongoing maintenance of process flows and PFMEAs (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses).
• Apply Lean methods to develop process designs, calculate and manage takt times, and support load leveling across production.
• Use Lean methods to design tooling and fixtures, support SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Dies), and optimize part orientation and Poka Yoke (error-proofing) throughout the process.
• Verify and maintain accurate plant layouts, including machines, electrical, air, and other utilities, ensuring alignment with process needs.
• Identify root causes of process variation, quality defects, and downtime using structured analytical tools and methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce material waste, scrap, labor inefficiencies, and equipment downtime across the manufacturing processes.
• Implement sustainable process improvements that reduce scrap, rework, and inefficiencies while supporting long-term operational stability.
• Work directly on the production floor with engineers and production associates to investigate issues and implement process improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 3–10+ years of related engineering experience, or additional relevant experience in place of a degree.
• Hands-on manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles with demonstrated examples of previous improvement projects.
• Experience creating work instructions, standardized work, floor and cell layouts, and process and material flow documentation.
• Experience with assembly manufacturing processes, preferably in a similar product environment.
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions for quality and process issues.
• Experience with process capability improvement and ensuring processes meet product specifications.
• Ability to develop and maintain process flows and PFMEAs.
• Proficiency in applying Lean tools, including process design, takt time calculation, load leveling, SMED, Poka Yoke, and tooling and fixture design.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset and proven track record of process improvement.
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with plant leadership, quality, operations, and production associates.
• Comfort working on the production floor and engaging directly with operators to understand and resolve process issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Six Sigma methodologies and tools.
• Background in manufacturing process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience in assembly-focused environments, particularly those with limited automation.
• Ability to interpret and maintain plant layouts, including machines, electrical, and air systems.
• Demonstrated ability to reduce scrap, rework, and inefficiencies through sustainable process improvements.
• Strong problem-solving skills using structured methodologies for variation reduction and defect elimination.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based on the production floor within a facility dedicated to manufacturing windshield wiper systems. You will spend significant time on your feet investigating issues, observing operations, and identifying process improvement opportunities in a hands-on environment. You will work closely with other engineers, plant leadership, quality teams, and production associates, fostering a collaborative and solutions-focused culture. The site operates as a smaller location within a larger global manufacturing organization, offering the support and benefits of a large company combined with the close-knit feel of a smaller plant.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Michigan City, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.86 - $45.67/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Michigan City, IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.