Production Engineer

Wanco Inc. is seeking a hands-on Production Engineer to join our Aurora team. This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer who wants to build hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role plays a key part in improving assembly efficiency, manufacturability (DFA), and overall production performance. You will work closely with operations teams to optimize processes, reduce waste, including quality defects.

This is a highly visible, shop-floor-focused role ideal for someone who enjoys solving real-world manufacturing challenges and driving continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

• Identify and address key production bottlenecks impacting cycle time, efficiency, and output
• Collaborate with design engineering to incorporate Design for Assembly (DFA) improvements
• Lead and support lean manufacturing initiatives, including 5S and waste reduction projects
• Develop and optimize line balance, cell layouts, and process flows
• Create, implement, and sustain work instructions, visual controls, and standardized processes
• Document production processes and maintain accurate manufacturing requirements
• Update drawings, specifications, and process-related Engineering Change Requests (ECRs)
• Participate in design reviews and provide feedback based on shop floor learnings
• Manage project timelines, including scheduling and cost tracking for improvement initiatives

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of experience in production or manufacturing engineering (electromechanical assemblies preferred)
• Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience identifying and resolving production issues
• Experience with root cause analysis tools (e.g., cause-and-effect/Fishbone diagrams)
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and 5S practices
• Experience developing work instructions, one-point lessons, and visual workplace systems
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and implement solutions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ISO 9001:2015 standards
• Exposure to project management, including capital (CAPEX) projects
• Experience with SMED or quick changeover techniques
• Knowledge of line balancing and cellular manufacturing design
• Process mapping experience
• Exposure to budget planning or cost tracking in a manufacturing environment

Why Join Wanco?

• Strong learning environment in manufacturing
• Opportunity to work on real improvements that impact production performance
• Collaborative team culture with mentorship from experienced operations leaders
• Opportunity for growth

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work in a manufacturing environment with regular shop floor interaction
• Ability to stand, walk, and engage with production equipment as needed
• Use of standard office equipment, including computers
• Adherence to PPE and safety requirements
• Occasional travel may be required

Reporting: This position reports to the Director of Operations.

Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000 per year based on qualifications.

Benefits : Insurance (Medical, Dental, Life, 401k). Paid time off and holidays.

Wanco Inc. Address: 15800 E. 40th Ave. Aurora, Co 80011 | wanco.com