The Manufacturing Engineer Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. This role leads continuous improvement initiatives, supports new product introductions, drives capital equipment projects, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient and reliable manufacturing operations.

The position serves as a technical expert for manufacturing processes, equipment utilization, process standardization, automation, and operational excellence initiatives.

Key Responsibilities Manufacturing Process Development

• Design, develop, and implement manufacturing processes and production methods.
• Establish and maintain standard work instructions, process documentation, and manufacturing specifications.
• Optimize production layouts, material flow, and workstation ergonomics.
• Support continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Conduct time studies and labor utilization analysis to improve operational efficiency.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Kaizen events and process improvement initiatives.
• Identify and eliminate manufacturing bottlenecks and non-value-added activities.
• Implement SMED, 5S, Visual Factory, and workplace organization improvements.
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and recommend corrective actions.
• Drive productivity, quality, and cost reduction projects.

Equipment & Automation

• Evaluate, select, and implement manufacturing equipment and automation solutions.
• Manage equipment installation, validation, and commissioning activities.
• Develop preventive maintenance strategies in coordination with Maintenance teams.
• Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis of equipment-related issues.
• Ensure equipment operates within established safety and performance standards.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support product transfers, new product launches, and engineering changes.
• Develop process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, and manufacturing documentation.
• Coordinate production trials, pilot runs, and process validations.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness before product release.

Capital Projects (CAPEX)

• Develop business cases and justification packages for capital investments.
• Manage equipment relocation, facility expansion, and manufacturing improvement projects.
• Coordinate vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Track project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.

Quality & Compliance

• Support quality investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Lead root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Participate in internal and external audits as required.
• Maintain process capability and manufacturing standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Planning, Supply Chain, Safety, and Product Engineering teams.
• Provide technical guidance and training to production personnel.
• Support strategic planning and capacity analysis activities.
• Participate in SIOP and production planning initiatives.