Manufacturing Tooling Engineer

Nidec - Lexington, TN

Full-time

Lexington, TN

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a crucial role in developing and improving the production processes for manufacturing goods. This position involves determining the optimal use of machinery and enhancing the efficiency of assembly line workers. The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for innovating solutions to complex engineering and manufacturing production problems by identifying and implementing advanced manufacturing processes. This includes conducting process analysis, applying knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials, and collaborating with suppliers while soliciting feedback from operators and production technicians. In addition to process improvement, the Manufacturing Engineer is tasked with refining and enhancing production processes by applying continuous improvement principles and Lean manufacturing techniques. They ensure product and process quality by designing testing methods, testing finished products, and establishing standards to validate manufacturing process requirements. The role also involves determining the root causes of failures using statistical methods, which may lead to changes in design, tolerances, or processing methods. Furthermore, the Manufacturing Engineer designs and prepares concept drawings for new equipment or modifications to existing equipment, manages capital equipment projects, and develops tooling and fixtures for new products and processes. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and implementing solutions for safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction issues. The Manufacturing Engineer prepares documentation for new manufacturing processes, summarizes analyzed process information, and recommends product changes to Product Engineers. They also improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout, while ensuring the effective use of resources and sustained supply. This role demands exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization, driving change and influencing engineering decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve production processes for manufacturing goods.
• Determine the best use of machinery and maximize assembly line efficiency.
• Conduct process analysis and implement advanced manufacturing processes.
• Refine and enhance processes using continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing principles.
• Assure product and process quality through testing methods and standards establishment.
• Determine root causes of failures using statistical methods and implement necessary changes.
• Design and prepare concept drawings for new equipment or modifications.
• Manage the implementation of capital equipment projects.
• Develop tooling and fixtures for new products and processes.
• Identify and implement solutions for safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction issues.
• Prepare documentation for new manufacturing processes and engineering procedures.
• Summarize analyzed process information and trends in reports.
• Recommend product changes and improvements to Product Engineers.
• Analyze and plan workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout to improve efficiency.
• Select appropriate cutting tools, attachments, and materials for production.
• Examine and measure completed units to ensure conformity to specifications.
• Assist in the improvement and refinement of tooling processes.
• Collaborate with QC, engineering, and other departments to address challenges.
• Participate in tool design reviews and sign off on designs.
• Troubleshoot tooling problems and implement engineering changes.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Monitor tooling builds and manage engineering changes.
• Coordinate sampling and metrology requests related to tooling.
• Act as a liaison between design engineering and manufacturing for new products.
• Review tool usage for cost-effective resource use and sustained supply.
• Resolve tool-related problems in the manufacturing environment.
• Manage tooling budgets and report on budget performance.
• Recommend changes to cutting parameters to optimize machining processes.
• Develop a plan to reduce tooling costs through systemic cost reductions.
• Coordinate updates and revisions of mechanical drawings related to tooling.
• Attend operations and problem-solving meetings and document non-conformances.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 to 10 years related manufacturing experience.
• Proficient in CAD and machine tooling design.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and machining practices.
• Extensive experience in tooling design and manufacturing.
• Extensive experience in CNC machining.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects from start-up to completion.
• Quality orientation and high attention to detail.
• Ability to perform problem analysis and resolution.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics.
• Proficiency with computers and standard drafting software.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering field.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Good team player.