Job Description
We are looking for a talented Senior Manufacturing Engineer for our position in Jamestown, NY. In this role, the Senior Manufacturing Engineer will lead the design, optimization, and continuous improvement of complex manufacturing and assembly processes to enhance efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety. This position serves as a technical expert and mentor, providing guidance to engineers and technicians while ensuring alignment between daily production needs and long‑term operational objectives. The role involves collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams to support equipment planning, project execution, and cost‑reduction efforts, as well as driving productivity improvements across the plant. Additionally, the Senior Manufacturing Engineer will troubleshoot high‑impact production issues, integrate advanced manufacturing technologies, and support capital investment initiatives that strengthen the site’s overall capability and competitiveness. Candidates should hold a relevant engineering degree such as Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Aerospace Engineering, and possess at least five years of manufacturing or assembly engineering experience with demonstrated success in process improvement, project leadership, and capital spend management. Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma tools, and CAD/CAM systems is essential, along with excellent communication and collaboration skills needed to influence across teams and support the development of others. Preferred applicants will also have hands‑on experience with CNC metal cutting and metal‑processing equipment, adding depth to their technical expertise within a highly engineered manufacturing environment.
In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:
- Project Leadership: Lead end‑to‑end execution of assigned manufacturing projects, ensuring all safety, quality, and production requirements are achieved.
- Manufacturing Process Development: Apply advanced manufacturing principles to design, optimize, and implement processes that meet business and product goals.
- Process & Equipment Improvement: Drive continuous enhancements to manufacturing equipment and workflows to elevate efficiency, reliability, and consistency.
- Standards & Compliance: Utilize continuous improvement methodologies and ensure alignment with Cummins manufacturing standards and operating practices.
- Cross‑Functional Communication: Lead communication efforts, influencing key business leaders, functional partners, and external stakeholders to support project objectives.
- Resource Collaboration: Coordinate and collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver on specific project assignments and timelines.
- Technical Expertise: Provide advanced technical knowledge in manufacturing principles as applied within Cummins, helping guide strategic process decisions.
- Stakeholder Coaching: Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and offer coaching to build capability, alignment, and long-term success
To be successful in this role you will need the following:
- Collaborative Partnership: Builds strong, trusting relationships across functions and works effectively with others to achieve shared objectives and deliver aligned project outcomes.
- Effective Communication: Delivers clear, timely, and audience‑aware communication across multiple formats to ensure understanding, alignment, and consistent execution.
- Health & Safety Leadership: Models proactive safety behaviors, identifies risks, and actively supports actions that strengthen an interdependent safety culture and contribute to an injury‑free workplace.
- Manufacturing & Process Expertise: Applies strong knowledge of manufacturing principles—including process design, equipment selection, digital simulation, ergonomic considerations, and documentation—to drive efficient, compliant, and high‑quality production outcomes.
- Structured Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Uses systematic, data‑driven methods to identify root causes, develop durable solutions, improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational performance.
Education, Licenses, Certifications:
- College, university, or degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related field, or equivalent experience required.
- This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
- Intermediate level of relevant work experience required.
A Senior Manufacturing Engineer plays a critical role in leading the design, optimization, and continuous improvement of complex manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, product quality, and operational safety. This role serves as a technical leader and mentor, guiding engineers and technicians while promoting skill development and strong problem‑solving practices across the team. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer works closely with cross‑functional partners to align equipment strategies, project plans, and production schedules, ensuring that operations support both daily output requirements and long‑term strategic goals. In addition, this position is responsible for driving cost‑reduction efforts, implementing advanced manufacturing technologies, and resolving high‑impact production issues that influence performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years in manufacturing or assembly engineering with demonstrated success in process improvement, capital project involvement, and leading engineering initiatives.
- Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and advanced CAD/CAM tools.
- Communication Skills: Ability to collaborate and influence effectively across multiple teams while coaching others toward operational excellence.
- Preferred Experience: Hands‑on experience with CNC metal cutting or metal‑processing equipment.
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.