Manufacturing Engineering Contractor

Manufacturing EngineerThe Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting and continuously improving assembly and test processes, tooling, and work holding used to produce fully finished precision parts for complex fluid control devices across medical, industrial, material handling, and other applications. Working in a high-mix environment with a wide variety of custom, in-house-built assembly and test equipment, this role leads continuous improvement initiatives for both processes and products. The engineer collaborates closely with product development, quality, suppliers, and operators to ensure products meet stringent internal and customer requirements, spending the majority of time on the manufacturing floor troubleshooting processes, analyzing data, and driving improvements.ResponsibilitiesDesign tools and work holding using Solid Edge 3D CAD modeling tools or equivalent software to support precision manufacturing.Utilize precision gaging and inspection equipment with a strong understanding of GD&T principles to verify part quality.Read and interpret hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic schematic diagrams as well as detailed engineering drawings.Provide production cost estimates for product improvement programs to support business and engineering decisions.Create and modify production routers for multi-step assembly and test operations to ensure efficient workflow.Validate production processes and equipment in accordance with ISO 9001 standards and specific customer specifications.Troubleshoot complex pneumatic circuits and devices to resolve production issues and improve reliability.Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with operators, technical staff, supervisory personnel, and outside contractors.Demonstrate sound decision-making and prioritization skills to manage multiple projects and tasks on the manufacturing floor.Provide leadership, guidance, and training to maintenance and shop personnel on processes, tools, and equipment.Use computer skills to generate clear operator and maintenance instructions and graphics that support production processes.Complete detailed written reports documenting work performed, findings, and recommendations.Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization, product quality, and cost reduction.Work cross-functionally with product development engineers, quality professionals, suppliers, and operators to ensure manufacturability and compliance with requirements.Spend 60–80% of time on the manufacturing floor troubleshooting processes, collecting and analyzing data, and implementing improvements.Essential SkillsBachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering.Experience working with machined parts in a production or manufacturing environment.Ability to read and understand hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic schematic diagrams and detailed engineering drawings.Experience troubleshooting and improving complex parts and processes in a manufacturing setting.Proficiency with 3D CAD design tools such as Solid Edge or equivalent for tooling and work holding design.Strong understanding of precision gaging and inspection methods, including GD&T principles.Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems and their application in fluid control devices.Ability to create and modify production routers for multi-step assembly and test operations.Experience validating production processes and equipment in accordance with ISO 9001 and customer specifications.Effective written and verbal communication skills for interaction with operators, technical staff, and contractors.Demonstrated leadership ability to guide and train maintenance and shop personnel.Computer literacy sufficient to generate operator and maintenance instructions and supporting graphics.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on data-driven continuous improvement.Ability to work effectively in a high-mix manufacturing environment with custom assembly and test equipment.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience with CAM software such as Esprit CAM or equivalent for CNC-related processes.Background in CNC machining and related manufacturing operations.Experience selecting and purchasing production equipment, tooling, and work holding solutions.Exposure to machining, assembly, and fabrication processes within a fluid control or similar environment.Project management experience or interest, including coordinating improvement projects and tracking progress.Ability to collaborate with product development and quality engineering teams to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability.Interest in ongoing professional development, with opportunities to expand skills through training platforms such as Udemy.Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a manufacturing facility specializing in the design and production of pneumatic and fluid control valves, valve systems, and customized products for industries including medical, analytical, factory automation, test and measurement, and process control. The engineer works as part of a team of four manufacturing engineers and collaborates closely with product development engineers, quality engineers, operators, and suppliers. with some flexibility, and much of the work is performed directly on the manufacturing floor in a hands-on environment. The facility uses a wide variety of custom assembly and test equipment built in-house, along with precision gaging, CNC machining, and CAM tools. Team members receive paid time off, standard paid holidays, and access to online learning resources such as Udemy after a specified period, supporting ongoing skill development and career growth.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kalamazoo, MI.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Kalamazoo, MI.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.