Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting the design, development, quoting, and manufacturing of aluminum, brass, and bronze cast products. This role serves as a key technical liaison between customers, vendors, tooling suppliers, and internal production teams to ensure efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes. The Manufacturing Engineer creates 3D tooling models, develops manufacturing methods, prepares quotations, and reverse engineers components when engineering drawings are unavailable. This position plays a critical role in driving customer satisfaction, quality, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement within the foundry environment.

Essential Job Functions:

Engineering & Product Development

• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, tooling designs, and manufacturing drawings for cast components and tooling.
• Design patterns, core boxes, fixtures, gating systems, and related tooling required for foundry operations.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for aluminum, brass, and bronze castings.
• Review customer specifications, drawings, and technical requirements to determine manufacturing feasibility.
• Reverse engineer parts and assemblies through measurement, inspection, and CAD modeling when prints or design documentation are unavailable.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, process sheets, work instructions, and manufacturing standards.

Customer & Vendor Support

• Act as the primary technical contact for customers regarding product design, manufacturability, and project development.
• Collaborate with customers to clarify specifications and recommend cost-effective manufacturing solutions.
• Work closely with tooling suppliers, machine shops, and material vendors to develop and procure tooling and production resources.
• Coordinate project timelines and communicate progress with customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Quoting & Cost Analysis

• Review RFQs and customer inquiries to prepare accurate and competitive quotations.
• Estimate tooling costs, material requirements, labor, machining operations, and production expenses.
• Analyze manufacturing methods to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve profitability.
• Support sales and management with technical input during quotation and contract review processes.

Manufacturing Support

• Provide engineering support to foundry operations, machining, quality, and maintenance teams.
• Troubleshoot production issues related to casting quality, tooling performance, and manufacturing processes.
• Lead process improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, scrap reduction, and productivity.
• Participate in new product launches and process validation activities.
• Support root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions for quality concerns.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process optimization and implementation of lean manufacturing principles.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures and best practices.
• Monitor manufacturing performance metrics and recommend improvements.
• Participate in cross-functional teams focused on operational excellence.

Support Objectives, Goals and Targets related to QMS and certifications for ISO9001.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing or engineering experience, preferably within a foundry, metal casting, machining, or related manufacturing environment.
• Must have the ability to perform all essential functions as required by the position
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, or similar design platforms.
• Experience creating tooling and manufacturing models from customer drawings and specifications.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering drawings, GD&T, and material properties.
• Experience preparing manufacturing cost estimates and quotations.
• Ability to reverse engineer components using measuring instruments and CAD software.
• Strong communication and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aluminum, brass, bronze, or other non-ferrous foundry operations.
• Knowledge of patternmaking, tooling design, gating design, and casting processes.
• Familiarity with machining operations and CNC manufacturing methods.
• Experience with ERP and MRP systems.
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.
• Understanding of metallurgical principles and quality systems. 

\nCompany Description

What Makes AFW a Great Place to Work?

Make a Visible Impact
Work on challenging projects from concept through production.
Collaborate directly with customers, vendors, and internal teams to solve real-world manufacturing challenges.
See the results of your work come to life on the foundry floor.

Hands-On Engineering Environment
Take ownership of projects and contribute to product design, tooling development, process improvement, and production optimization.
Gain exposure to every stage of the manufacturing process, from quoting and engineering through casting and machining.

Career Growth & Development
Expand your technical knowledge in foundry operations, metallurgy, tooling design, reverse engineering, and manufacturing engineering.
Develop project management and leadership skills through cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement initiatives.

Team-Oriented Culture
Work alongside experienced professionals who value teamwork, accountability, and craftsmanship.
Enjoy a collaborative environment where ideas are welcomed and employee contributions are recognized.

Commitment to Quality
Join a company known for delivering high-quality castings and outstanding customer service.
Be part of a team dedicated to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.

Stable Manufacturing Industry
Support essential industries with products manufactured right here in Wisconsin.
Build a rewarding career in a company that values skilled employees and long-term success.

Our Values
Safety First
Integrity in Everything We Do
Customer-Focused Service
Quality Without Compromise
Continuous Improvement
Respect for People