Manufacturing Engineer

Full-time - Mid Level

Grand Rapids, MI

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy - People, Planet and Profit. We have been in business for over 50 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We manufacture injection molded/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people centered leadership culture based on the principles of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Are you looking for a positive and encouraging environment? Are you seeking a position where you are included, recognized and celebrated? You belong here! Are you excited for what is ahead? We are too! Cascade Engineering has an opening for a Manufacturing Engineer. This role focuses on optimizing manufacturing assembly processes for both new and existing production. Responsibilities include ensuring flawless launches and driving continuous improvements in safety, efficiency, quality, and productivity while reducing costs.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for new program launches and the completion of manufacturing engineering requirements for each phase including the quoting, design, validation and training of equipment, robotics and manufacturing processes.
• Identification and implementation of data driven cost reduction opportunities related to improved safety & ergonomics, labor reduction, cycle time improvement, uptime improvement, quality improvement or other error proofing measures for current production processes, including robotic interfaces.
• Technical expert for the design, implementation and validation of assembly processes that include appropriate error proofing to ensure quality and productivity of the process.
• Design, simulation, development and installation of robotic interfaces for new program launches including End of Arm Tooling design, programming and implementation.
• Self-driven leader who interfaces with various operations team members and contractors to identify a problem, develop the appropriate technical solution, complete project justification (including capital) and manage the project implementation timing, cost, validation and closure.
• Interfaces with customers and suppliers to understand part requirements, provide technical expertise and make both process and product recommendations that drive safety, efficiency, quality, productivity and cost reduction improvements.
• Ensuring the most efficient and effective manufacturing process is developed, documented and trained (i.e. Standard work, Work Cell Layout, SPTF, etc.).
• Ensures production and maintenance complete initial training as required for new systems and equipment.
• Actively participate in projects and groups as assigned; researches and resolves production variances and follows up on corrections; leads root cause determination teams.
• Assists in developing strategies on how to best obtain set business goals.
• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field with 2 - 5 years' experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and 'hands-on' capability in the installation, validation and troubleshooting of secondary equipment.
• Demonstrated technical problem solving skills and can establish root cause quickly through experimentation on shop floor using structured problem solving mentality (KT Is/Is Not, 4M's (Man, Machine, Material, Method), etc.).
• Ability to implement corrective/preventive actions to eliminate any reoccurrence.
• Demonstrated skills programming and troubleshooting Keyence, Cognex and other vision system software for error proofing.
• Proven proficiency at design, programming and mechanical knowledge of FANUC robots and controllers, I/O management and troubleshooting principles.
• Demonstrated knowledge of OHSA Safety & Regulatory requirements as it pertains to secondary equipment.
• Project and program management skills; ability to handle multiple projects at one time.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to plan cost justifications with differentiation between hard and soft cost savings.
• Proficient in using CAD software for layouts and equipment design.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills including MS Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word.
• Understanding of maintenance functions and systems.
• Understands workflow and work cell layout, and plant facilities organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365.

Nice-to-haves

• Injection molding knowledge.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - Starting on Day 1.
• Life Insurance (Company Paid and Supplemental).
• 401K with match - Starting on Day 1.
• Flex Spending.
• Quarterly Bonus Program.
• Paid Time Off.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Short and Long Term Disability (Company Paid).
• Onsite Medical Clinic.
• Smoking Cessation Products and Programs.