Associate Manufacturing Engineer

Company Overview:

Schafer Industries is a premier supplier of off-highway axles and differentiated precision gearing solutions. Established in 1934, Schafer Industries has locations in South Bend, IN, Roscoe, IL, Fredericktown, OH and Blacklick, OH. Schafer Industries is one of the few manufacturers of integrated axle solutions in the off-highway electric vehicle market. Schafer serves customers in a variety of end markets including off-highway vehicles, recreational vehicles, aerospace, defense, oil & gas, material handling, powertrain, electric mobility, heavy duty trucking, agriculture, and construction. Our mission is to leverage world class capabilities to deliver superior products and services to maximize the value for our customers, employees, shareholders, and communities.

Why Work at Schafer Industries?

• We are a growth-oriented company with a diversified customer base.
• We are committed to a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• You will enjoy a collaborative work environment where your talents and opinions matter.
• We provide training as well as opportunities to work on projects in support of your career development.
• You will quickly see your impact when working with the team.
• We live our values of Safety, Integrity, Responsibility to Others, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement and Accountability in all that we do.
• We have competitive pay and benefits to include 401(k) match and tuition reimbursement.

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated, entry-level Mechanical Engineering/Technology graduate who is eager to gain hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment. This role is designed as a development opportunity where you will work directly on the production floor alongside Manufacturing Engineers and CNC Machinists to learn equipment, processes, and real-world problem solving.

The goal of this position is to build a strong foundation in machining and manufacturing operations, preparing you for future growth into a Manufacturing Engineer role. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who may not have extensive experience but is driven to learn, grow, and build practical skills beyond the classroom.

Essential Functions

• Support Manufacturing Engineers and production teams with daily operations and process improvement initiatives
• Assist with CNC machine setups, including tooling changes, offsets, and basic troubleshooting
• Learn to operate multi-axis CNC machines and understand machining processes. Machines include, but not limited to - Lathe, Mill, Grind, Gear cutting machines
• Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings to understand part specifications
• Use precision measurement tools such as calipers and micrometers to verify part quality
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment in compliance with company safety standards
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and solve manufacturing challenges
• Perform basic machine care and support preventative maintenance activities
• Document work instructions and standard work for each part by working with other team members and include visual aids for easy understanding by machine operators
• Gradually take on increased responsibility in setups and process ownership as skills develop

Skills & Competencies

• Bachelor's or Associate degree in mechanical engineering/technology or related field
• Strong desire to learn and develop in a hands-on manufacturing environment
• Mechanical aptitude and curiosity about how machines and processes work
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and measurement tools (or willingness to learn)
• Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and openness to feedback and coaching
• Willingness to spend majority of time on the production floor and engage in hands-on learning
• This position requires adherence to all shop safety policies and procedures, with the ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds as needed