Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing EngineerStandex International is a global industrial growth company operating through our market-leading brands in electronics, cutting-edge forming technologies, engraving, and scientific refrigeration. We work with our customers to advance progress through innovation. From inventing and producing parts for next-generation space vehicles to evolving vaccine refrigeration, designing functional textures for everyday products, improving renewable energy technology, and much more, we are focused on making what's next possible.The Manufacturing Engineer is a high-visibility, hands-on role responsible for establishing stable, capable, and efficient manufacturing processes across assigned product value streams in a new program production start-up environment. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role will take ownership of stabilizing end-to-end manufacturing processes for multiple products during plant ramp-up. The engineer will drive process capability, reduce variation, and implement structured root cause solutions while serving as the primary technical owner for customer quality issue resolution.This is a highly empowered role with direct impact on product quality, cost, and delivery performance, requiring strong technical ownership and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving production environment.What You'll DoNew Value Stream Process Stabilization Ownership (Immediate Focus)Establish and own end-to-end manufacturing process performance for assigned product value streams including following operations:Injection moldingAutomated fabric cuttingAdhesive application (roll coating and spray)Lamination and edge folding of interior trim componentsEstablish stable, repeatable, and capable processes across all steps of the value streamLead process development, setup, startup, and troubleshooting activitiesMaintain and evolve Control Plans and PFMEA tied to actual process risksMaintain and evolve process related quality documentationOptimize process parameters to reach stable levels of scrap, yield, cycle time, and throughputIdentify and eliminate sources of variation across interconnected processesDrive process standardization and define "golden parameters" for each operationCollaborate with tooling, design, and production teams to improve manufacturabilityIntegrated Customer Quality ResponsibilitiesServe as primary technical owner for customer quality issuesLead structured root cause analysis using 8D or equivalent methodologiesDefine and implement containment, corrective, and preventive actionsValidate effectiveness of corrective actions using process and product dataCommunicate technical findings and resolution status to internal teams and customersEnsure timely and professional response to customer concernsPlan and execute process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ) across multiple manufacturing stepsDesign and execute DOE studies to establish robust process windowsPerform process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk) for critical characteristicsEnsure alignment between process parameters and product performance requirementsQuality System Development SupportSupport implementation of quality systems aligned with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949Implement SPC on critical process and product characteristicsLead measurement system analysis (MSA) activities where requiredContribute to internal audit readiness and continuous improvement initiativesContinuous Improvement & Operational Excellence (After Stabilization)Control and streamline mass production (man, machine, material, method, environment) variables and own consequent in-house as well as customer concernsDrive scrap reduction, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement initiativesImprove process flow and integration across value stream operationsSupport development of visual controls, standard work, and process documentationTrain and guide technicians and operators on process control and problem-solvingIdentify opportunities for automation and process enhancementWhat You'll BringBachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Plastics, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)3-5+ years of hands-on manufacturing process engineering experienceDemonstrated experience in structured problem-solving in technical manufacturing processesExperience in one or more of the following strongly preferred:Injection moldingAdhesive processes / coating / laminationTextile or trim component manufacturingExperience with process validation, troubleshooting, and production ramp environmentsWorking knowledge of automotive quality methodologies (PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Control Plans)Strong process engineering mindset across multi-step manufacturing systemsAbility to understand and control variation across interconnected processesStrong communication skills for cross-functional and customer interactionStrong problem-prevention mindsetStrong root cause analysis and data-driven decision-making skillsWorking knowledge of SPC and process capability conceptsAbility to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving production environmentProficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); ERP/SAP experience a plusWorking knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD tools highly desirableHigh ownership mindset with ability to independently drive results, prior results in start up environment a plusWork EnvironmentCombination of production floor and office work; significant time on manufacturing floor requiredRequires standing, walking, and lifting up to 50 lbs as neededPPE compliance required in production areasFlexible schedule to support production ramp, trials, and issue resolutionFast-paced startup environment with competing prioritiesPhysical requirements for this role include being able to lift 25 – 40 lbs, walking, standing, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping parts, operating a keyboard (not an all-inclusive list).Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.