Manufacturing Engineer: Welding and Fabrication

Are you passionate about designing, developing and optimizing manufacturing processes?

Do you have a continuous quality improvement mind-set and high degree of integrity?

Do you understand the importance of creating a vibrant culture through building relationships with your team members?

Are you a problem solver, team player, and amazing communicator?

We are an established, solid, growing company in the manufacturing industry with a 50+ year history of success. Our brand stands for quality, character, and relationships. We back our brand with exceptional quality products, world-class customer service, individual and organizational growth, and industry-leading standards. We have a strong foundation and a vibrant future ahead.

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer "Extra-Ordinaire" who will play a hands-on active role in the future of our company. He/she will be responsible for upholding and implementing effective implementation of all company policies, standards and regulatory standards. This position will work closely with every department to maintain efficiencies in their department, and solve problems creatively. The Manufacturing Engineer will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes and equipment in a welding-focused production environment. This role supports continuous improvement, ensures product integrity, and collaborates across departments to maintain efficient and high-quality manufacturing operations.

Our Manufacturing Engineer will be able to effectively multi-task the demands of quality, manufacturing, and safety by working with our company’s leadership team to achieve a vision.

Specifically, we are looking for the following characteristics and qualifications:

• You must naturally be a “ people person.” You must love dealing with and interacting with all kinds of people. You must come across as sincere, warm, genuine, and caring.
• You must be able to work Monday through Thursday working a ten-hour shift. We have three day weekends! Yes, you get Friday, Saturday and Sunday off every week! (There are times we are very busy! You will get paid time and half for overtime. This is Friday and Saturday work on occasion.)
• You thrive at taking on responsibility. You organize your work and develop strategy to reach objectives.
• You have quality manufacturing and business acumen. You understand that quality, accuracy, efficiency and safety processes drive our bottom line.
• You are proactive and self-reliant. You can follow directions and can think on your own filling in the blanks when necessary. If action is necessary, you discern the next right step while gathering the resources to move forward.
• You are emotionally mature. You don’t get frustrated, defensive, easily overwhelmed, or take things personally when faced with adversity, deadlines, and conflicts. You also know how to help others overcome negative emotions and move forward toward resolution.
• You are conscientious. You take pride in your work and want things done right! You don’t cut corners sacrificing quality. You are a human with serious quality character.
• You are assertive but not aggressive. You are a self-starter and great at following up and following through to the very end. You love feedback and are open to suggestions to get better.
• You want to lead a vibrant life. You are a generally happy person. You smile easily, see the glass as at least half full and experience joy on the daily.
• You want to be part of something bigger than yourself. Our products create infrastructure for our communities! We want someone who cares deeply about our mission and recognizes that relationships are the epitome of what we do.

If you are thinking this is me, great! Read on!

Southern Fabricators has unique core values!

1. Promise It, Deliver It

Do what you say, and say what you mean. –No cutting corners—customers and employees should know they can trust you.

2. Choose Right, Not Easy

Treat people with respect, from the shop floor to the front office. –Make decisions based on principles, not just profit.

3. One Team, One Fight

Take care of customers and community and back up your crew. We win or lose together as a family. –When there’s a problem, face it head-on and make it right.

4. Tough Times, No Excuses

Hard work and perseverance always pay off. –No whining, no excuses—just find solutions and keep moving forward.

5. Want the Ball, Make it Happen

Be men and women of action, and make sure the job is done well. –Be a leader.

Southern Fabricators has a vision and a mission!

Iron Sharpens Iron: Built to last. Built with purpose. Built together.

At Southern Fabricators, we believe strength is forged through hard work, integrity, and teamwork. Just as iron sharpens iron, we challenge each other to be better every day—building quality products, strong relationships, and a reputation that stands the test of time. We don’t cut corners, we don’t back down from challenges, and we don’t settle. Our commitment is to excellence, to each other, and to the values that make us who we are.

With a focus on precision and craftsmanship, we transform raw metal into durable, functional products. From laser cutting and precision bending to expert welding, painting , and efficient shipping , we manage every step of the process. Our commitment to excellence ensures that we meet the unique needs of industries requiring robust metal solutions.

By the year 2035, we will be multi-functional entity that focuses on cutting edge technology that is a testament of excellence. This excellence is visible in our facility landscape, our production facility, our steadfast faith-filled leadership and our unique state of the art manufacturing training facility. Most importantly our team members are treated with respect and empowered.

As the Manufacturing Engineer your work environment will require your ability to:

Design, Develop and Optimize

• Use business acumen to make strategic decisions in the manufacturing process while adhering to standards.
• Communicate effectively with customers, vendors, and fellow team members.
• Design and develop mechanical systems, fixtures, and tooling to support welding and fabrication processes.
• Evaluate and improve welding processes for efficiency, repeatability, and quality.
• Provide technical support to production teams, including welders and machine operators.
• Develop and maintain detailed manufacturing documentation (e.g., BOMs, work instructions, weld maps).
• Analyze production issues and recommend engineering solutions to minimize downtime and defects.
• Collaborate with design teams to ensure manufacturability and welding feasibility of new products.
• Support quality assurance by ensuring designs meet relevant standards (e.g., AWS, ASME) and customer requirements.
• Select and specify appropriate welding equipment, materials, and process parameters.
• Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective actions for welding-related issues.
• Participate in capital equipment projects, including specification, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Support safety and compliance efforts related to equipment design and process changes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Monitor production processes and adjust workflows to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety regulations.
• Develop and assist in the implementation of policies, operating procedures, quality systems and programs which ensure proper testing, evaluation, inspection, and technical support in order to meet product quality standards.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with quality and maintenance teams to resolve production issues and optimize equipment performance.
• Train and develop production staff; promote a culture of accountability and continuous learning.

Tracking & Reporting Data

• Utilizing and enhancing standard reporting and communication tools to ensure appropriate and timely communication and reporting internally and externally
• Track, monitor and report key performance indicators for deviations, training, adherence to procedures and more. Encourage efficiencies and always look for ways to improve processes.
• Perform 90-day evaluations for engineering to track and execute growth plan in the EOS Operating System aka Traction.
• Must love math, computers, all things "mechanical" and have a high level of competency in the Microsoft Suite.

Education, Excellence, and Energy

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor)
• Project management processes.
• Knowledge in PLC controllers.
• Programming knowledge of: C++ and Arduino.
• Experience with FEA, GD&T, and mechanical tolerance stack-up analysis is a plus.
• Familiarity with CNC machinery, robotics, and automation in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and manufacturing documentation.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of welding techniques (MIG, TIG, Stick), welding standards (AWS), and metallurgy.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations applicable to a welding shop.

The Mechanical Engineer will participate in a deep dive intensive on-boarding process to ensure success, set up expectations, and provide accountability.

We are passionate what we do and we steadfast in our beliefs. We work hard, play hard, and live by a set of values and standards that makes our company a FAB place to learn, grow, contribute, and find fulfillment.

If this sounds good, then take the next step and apply.

• If not, there are no hard feelings at all. We realize this position is only for the right person.