The Manufacturing Engineering Project role is responsible for executing major project initiatives (both Capital and non-Capital) that support all areas of the factory.

This position reports to the Manufacturing Engineer Sr Supervisor and is based out of our Anoka location.

What you’ll do:

• Perform major project management assignments including responsibility for: capital expenditure justification, equipment/process design and development, project spending, project execution timing, resource management, and project closeout activities.

•  Develops improvements to tooling and processes for the manufacture of existing products by changing the present specifications and supervising special tests concerning product improvement.

• Along with Product Development, introduces new products and the tools to manufacture them.  Assists in establishing specifications and procedures under which the new products will be made.  Directs any special tests or limited production runs for standardization of the new product.

• Identifies and implements cost reduction opportunities such as improved material utilization, increased machine/process efficiency, reduced cost of poor quality, etc.

• Reviews tools and perishable machine parts drawings for the necessity of revision on tolerances, surface finishes, dimensions, material selection, etc., and initiates Engineering Change Orders where justified.

• Investigates and troubleshoots production material difficulties to recommend and/or take necessary corrective measures.

• Represents the organization as a technical contact on projects.  Interacts with senior personnel on important technical matters and helps coordinate between organizations.  

• Identify and qualify new materials and suppliers.  Ensure performance requirements are met while also driving down costs.  Document results and perform Engineering Change Orders to applicable documentation.

• Perform FMEAs.  Identify failure modes and address issues which may have a large impact.

Experience you bring:

• BS Mechanical, Metallurgical, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics or related fields

• 5+ years’ experience within an engineering role (material, process, manufacturing)

• 3+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.

• 2+ years’ project management experience.

• Computer software skills including SolidWorks, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, statistical analysis, reports, etc.

• Familiarity with high volume metallic parts manufacturing operations and equipment including metal forming and drawing

• Thorough understanding and broad application of technical standards, principles, theories, and techniques.

• Excellent mathematical, problem solving, written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organizational, communication, project management and teamwork skills.

• Ability to perform at a high level with minimal supervision and direction.

You might have:

• MS Engineering and/or MBA

• Hands on experience with Six Sigma tools and techniques and lean manufacturing concepts

• Small caliber ammunition manufacturing experience

• Tooling, tolerancing, and materials for metal forming and drawing utilizing punch and die as well as progressive die sets. 

• Experience with new manufacturing technologies/equipment

• CAD training

• Statistical problem solving skills such as DOE using Minitab

• Installation and maintenance of automated systems (including programming)

Physical Requirements: Most time is spent sitting with occasional standing and walking in the immediate work area or in manufacturing.  Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling weights of up to 10 pounds.  Periodic climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling when observing production processes.  Reaching, handling, and fingering (manual dexterity) for work on computer, function board, measuring dies, products or tooling.  Vision for observing production processes, inspecting primer mix, etc.  Hearing for diagnosing problems in machinery due to the sounds made.

Mental Requirements: Reading for technical materials and blue prints and math skills for calculations and conversions.  Attention to detail for design work.  Reasoning and problem solving and attentiveness to tasks and deadlines.  Flexibility to handle many projects simultaneously and attentiveness to time deadlines.  Individual initiative to complete projects in a timely fashion.  Verbal and written communication skills to communicate with vendors and internal associates (customers).   Work direction given to associates working on the assigned projects.

Equipment Used: Telephone, copy machine, fax machine, computer and keyboard, CADAM, function board, manufacturing machines, tooling, calculator and drafting tools.

Working Environment: Work is done during normal work hours, but overtime may be necessary depending on the workload.  Frequent time spent in production areas subject to exposure to noise, mechanical, pressurized, electrical, and explosive equipment/material, and moving objects.  Depending on the area, may be exposed to fumes/odors or dirt/dust.  Most work is done individually, though some time is spent working with others and all work is done around other associates.  Occasional contact with outside vendors.  General supervision received.