Manufacturing Engineer II - 1st Shift

Description

We’re Hiring: Manufacturing Engineer II

Kato Cable is seeking an experienced, hands-on Manufacturing Engineer II to lead process improvements, advance automation, and strengthen manufacturing performance across our production operations in Mankato, Minnesota.

Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 5:30am - 4:00 pm
Salary: $65k - $75k annually

This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, working directly with production teams, and turning data and technical expertise into sustainable results.

In this role, you will:

• Design, optimize, and validate manufacturing and equipment processes
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and minimize variation
• Identify and implement automation opportunities
• Lead capital equipment projects from specification and vendor evaluation through implementation and validation
• Serve as the primary engineering resource for complex customer-driven manufacturing projects
• Lead root cause analysis and support effective corrective and preventive actions
• Use production data and KPIs to improve quality, cycle time, equipment uptime, and overall performance
• Manage engineering changes and ensure accurate, compliant documentation
• Provide technical training and guidance to engineers, technicians, and production employees
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Project Engineering, and Supply Chain to develop practical, sustainable solutions

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field
• Four to seven years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience with equipment troubleshooting, process optimization, and continuous improvement
• Experience using CAD software and manufacturing data to support engineering decisions
• Strong project-management, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills
• Ability to independently manage competing priorities while remaining actively involved on the production floor

Experience with automation, capital equipment acquisition, cable assembly or wire harness manufacturing, Lean or Six Sigma methodologies, ERP systems, or ISO 9001 is preferred.

The ideal candidate is proactive, accountable, and comfortable influencing decisions across technical and non-technical teams. You understand that successful engineering improvements must consider the full impact on people, product, and process—not just the immediate technical solution.

If you are ready to take ownership of meaningful manufacturing improvements and serve as a trusted technical resource, we would like to hear from you.

Apply today!

Kato Cable is located in Mankato, Minnesota.

Requirements

JOB PURPOSE: The Manufacturing Engineer II is responsible for supporting and improving manufacturing operations by developing proficiency across multiple production areas and leading initiatives that enhance process efficiency, quality, and compliance. This role designs, optimizes, and validates manufacturing and equipment processes; drives automation initiatives; and applies Lean Manufacturing methodologies to reduce variability and improve overall productivity. The Manufacturing Engineer II operates with a high degree of independence and serves as a technical resource for cross-functional teams.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain proficiency in at least two of three designated production areas and provide advanced engineering support within those areas.
• Develop, implement, optimize, and maintain manufacturing and equipment processes to ensure clarity, efficiency, repeatability, and compliance with internal procedures and external customer specifications.
• Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and 5S methodologies to improve productivity, reduce waste, and minimize process variation.
• Drive automation initiatives by identifying opportunities, developing solutions, and supporting implementation across manufacturing processes.
• Lead capital equipment acquisition efforts, including specification development, vendor evaluation, production demonstrations, justification, implementation, and validation.
• Lead complex customer-driven manufacturing projects, serving as the primary engineering resource and providing technical support throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage and execute Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Design Review Forms (DRFs), and Process Improvement Forms (PIFs), ensuring proper approvals, accurate documentation, and effective implementation of changes.
• Provide technical training and guidance to engineers, technicians, and production employees to support process consistency and knowledge transfer.
• Utilize data and key performance indicators to drive improvements in quality, cycle time, equipment uptime, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Lead or facilitate root cause analysis efforts and support the implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Project Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support manufacturing objectives and customer requirements.
• Apply independent judgment and engineering expertise to evaluate complex manufacturing challenges and recommend sustainable solutions.

In addition, this role may be assigned to other duties consistent with the nature and level of the position, as required to support business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience, Competencies and Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field required.
• Four to seven years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience in equipment troubleshooting, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents, specifications, work instructions, and quality system procedures.

• Mathematical Skills

Ability to perform mathematical calculations relevant to manufacturing processes, data analysis, and engineering evaluations.

• Reasoning Ability

Ability to analyze complex manufacturing problems, prioritize work independently, and apply sound engineering judgment to a variety of assignments.
REQUIRED COMPUTER SKILLS

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• CAD Software
• General internet and computer use

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience in cable assembly and/or wire harness manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing-related data entry or reporting.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and quality management systems.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MEASURES

• Effectiveness and sustainability of implemented process improvements and automation initiatives.
• Accuracy, completeness, and compliance of manufacturing documentation and engineering change records.
• Adherence to the Company Quality Policy, ISO procedural requirements, and safety standards.
• Measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, cycle time, and equipment performance.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and support cross-functional teams effectively.
• Professional, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with all personnel.

Vision Requirements

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
• Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

PERSONALITY

We are seeking a self-driven, hands-on engineering professional who demonstrates accountability for process performance and proactive, preventative documentation practices. The ideal candidate is a forward planner capable of managing competing priorities, communicating effectively across technical and non-technical teams, influencing process decisions, and considering the downstream impact of engineering changes on people, product, and process.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a manufacturing environment and requires regular time on the production floor. The role may involve exposure to moving machinery, noise, and other typical manufacturing conditions. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to all safety protocols are required.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description reflects the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may evolve over time to meet business needs.