Manufacturing Engineer

Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Winsted, MN

Job Type: Permanent/Direct-Hire

Compensation: $80,000 – $110,000

Industry: Manufacturing

In this role, you’ll improve and standardize manufacturing operations by building and maintaining accurate Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) structures in an ERP environment, strengthening change control and part routing accuracy, and driving continuous improvement across safety, quality, cost, and throughput. You’ll partner closely with production and quality teams, support equipment and tooling enhancements, and lead projects that increase efficiency and reduce downtime.

• Develop, modify, maintain, and standardize multi-level Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) structures within the ERP system to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliable production planning
• Manage and oversee change control processes related to part routings and manufacturing workflows
• Create, update, and maintain manufacturing documentation, including process instructions, SOPs, work instructions, and routings
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality requirements across all processes and documentation
• Evaluate and improve equipment layouts, workflow, assembly methods, and workforce utilization to optimize efficiency
• Design, test, and implement tooling, fixtures, and equipment to enhance production capabilities
• Support and lead new equipment installations, validations, proof-of-concept evaluations, and upgrades
• Analyze manufacturing requirements to determine appropriate parts, equipment, and tools while meeting product specifications and quality standards
• Diagnose and resolve equipment and process issues using root-cause analysis and proactive maintenance strategies to minimize downtime
• Respond to production problems and escalations involving repeat failures or significant business impact
• Perform moderate to advanced engineering calculations and data analysis to support process optimization
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, quality improvement, efficiency, and safety
• Lead or support capital implementation projects and other long-term strategic initiatives aligned with business objectives
• Manage project resources, timelines, and technical requirements for medium to large-scale projects based on experience level
• Serve as a technical liaison between production, quality, and cross-functional teams, providing hands‑on support to operators, technicians, and supervisors
• Train and mentor personnel on new equipment, processes, and best practices, and support the development of less experienced team members
• Serve as a technical resource or subject‑matter expert within an assigned manufacturing area and support other areas as needed

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, customer specifications, and industry standards
• Understanding of internal manufacturing documentation and production processes
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills within established guidelines
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a high‑performance manufacturing team
• Adaptability to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Willingness to learn and apply on‑the‑job training
• Positive, solution‑oriented mindset in challenging situations

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 3–5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, OR an equivalent combination of education and 7–10+ years of manufacturing experience
• Experience in steel manufacturing or metal fabrication environments
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, DMAIC problem solving, and Root Cause Corrective Action methodologies
• Experience with statistical analysis and data‑driven decision making; DOE experience a plus
• Familiarity with DFM, FMEA, and process capability analysis
• Project management experience, with the ability to lead medium to large‑scale projects based on experience level
• Proficiency with ERP systems, shop‑floor control, production planning, and inventory planning tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)