Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Description

At RK, Self. Made. isn't a tagline, it's how work gets done. People here build more than projects; they build capability, confidence, and careers they can be proud of. With so much work designed and fabricated in-house, ideas move quickly from concept to shop floor to job site. Teams collaborate across disciplines, solve real-world challenges, and grow through hands-on work that truly matters.

As a second-generation, family-owned enterprise, RK Industries, LLC (RK) offers a diverse range of construction, manufacturing, advanced fabrication and building services. Led by Rick and Jon Kinning, RK represents seven distinct lines of business that work together to provide seamless project collaboration. Our exclusive building methodologies, accredited safety standards and professional execution allow us to turn our customers' greatest concepts into reality.

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer is a senior-level technical contributor responsible for developing, improving, and sustaining robust manufacturing processes that support RK Mission Critical's modular power and data center product lines. This position leads the design and continuous improvement of assembly and integration processes, production tooling, and build sequencing to ensure efficient, high-quality, and repeatable operations. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer partners closely with Design Engineering to identify and mitigate Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/DFMA) risks, ensuring alignment between engineering documentation and production execution.

• Partner with Design Engineering to identify and mitigate Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/DFMA) risks during product development, supporting a smooth transition into production.
• Design, improve, and document assembly, integration, and testing processes for modular electrical and power infrastructure products.
• Review and provide detailed feedback on shop drawing structure and content, ensuring alignment with defined workstation layouts, build sequencing, and production requirements.
• Develop and implement tooling, fixtures, jigs, and material-handling solutions to improve safety, reduce waste, and enhance process repeatability.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of manufacturing BOMs, routings, and workstation sequencing within the ERP system, ensuring accuracy and alignment with defined processes.
• Lead and support lean manufacturing initiatives, including value stream mapping, standard work development, and flow optimization within assigned product lines or processes.
• Develop and maintain clear, structured manufacturing process documentation, including work instructions, control plans, and validation records.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain to improve First Pass Yield (FPY), reduce defects, improve cycle time, and support cost-reduction initiatives.
• Conduct and support structured root cause analysis (DMAIC, 8D, 5-Why, etc.) and assist in implementing and validating corrective actions.
• Support pilot builds, engineering builds, and process validation efforts to ensure scalable and repeatable production readiness.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline required.
• 5-10 years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering, preferably within modular, prefabricated, or complex electromechanical assembly environments.
• Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement tools, and workstation optimization.
• Solid understanding of workstation design, line layout, ergonomics, and assembly sequencing.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems for production tracking, BOM management, routings, and process control.
• Demonstrated experience in process development, documentation, and standardization.
• Strong understanding of DFM/DFMA methodologies, GD&T, and engineering drawing standards.
• Experience reviewing and refining shop drawings to ensure alignment with defined production layouts and build sequencing.
• Proficiency in CAD tools to support process layouts, tooling concepts, and equipment integration.
• Background in data center or power infrastructure manufacturing preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvement initiatives that deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, cost, or throughput.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.

• Work outside, inside, and in dusty, noisy and hazardous areas.
• Work in high places, tight places, confined spaces and/or other adverse locations.
• Climb, balance, squat, kneel and crouch.
• Work in all types of weather.
• Must have working knowledge of all trade materials and tools.
• Ability to lift and carry 51 to 75 lbs. occasionally, and/or 31 to 45 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible…