Manufacturing Process Engineer

Role - Manufacturing Process Engineer

Location - Jackson, MI Work Type - Full-time / On-site About the Job A manufacturing company is seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer to lead the transformation of its machining and manufacturing operations through automation, process optimization, and advanced CNC manufacturing. This highly technical role is responsible for improving production efficiency, reducing manual intervention, and implementing innovative manufacturing technologies that support high-mix, low-volume production. The ideal candidate will have strong CNC machining expertise, CAM programming experience, and a passion for manufacturing automation. This individual will work closely with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to redesign legacy manufacturing processes into efficient, automated operations capable of supporting lights-out manufacturing. Position Summary The Manufacturing Process Engineer will analyze existing manufacturing processes, develop automation strategies, optimize machining operations, and implement continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires hands-on experience with CNC machining, manufacturing process engineering, robotic automation, and production optimization while supporting equipment selection, process validation, and manufacturing excellence. Key Responsibilities Manufacturing Process Engineering Analyze and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and throughput.

Develop and implement process improvements that reduce waste and increase productivity.

Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and process standards.

Monitor manufacturing performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

CNC Machining & Process Optimization Develop machining strategies for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.

Program and optimize CNC machining processes using CAM software.

Improve setup efficiency by eliminating unnecessary process variation.

Standardize tooling and machining practices to reduce changeover time.

Automation & Robotics Lead automation initiatives to support lights-out manufacturing.

Develop automated machining cells utilizing collaborative robots (Cobots).

Identify opportunities to replace manual operations with automated manufacturing solutions.

Evaluate and implement emerging manufacturing technologies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.

Support equipment selection, facility layouts, and manufacturing process improvements.

Troubleshoot manufacturing process issues and implement corrective actions.

Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• Strong background in Manufacturing Engineering and Process Engineering.

• Experience optimizing CNC machining operations.

• Hands-on experience with CAM programming (Fusion 360 preferred).

• Experience implementing manufacturing automation and robotic systems.

• Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving skills.

• Experience working in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.

• CAD experience and familiarity with ERP or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) preferred.

• Excellent communication skills and commitment to continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Fusion 360 CAM.

• Experience using CAM Assist or similar AI-assisted CAM programming tools.

• Experience implementing collaborative robots (Cobots) for CNC machine tending.

• Knowledge of waterjet cutting processes.

• Experience with lights-out manufacturing and unattended machining.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing process simplification and setup reduction methodologies.

• Work Environment Full-time, on-site position located in Jackson, MI.

• Hands-on manufacturing environment with close collaboration across engineering, production, and maintenance teams.

• Opportunity to lead manufacturing modernization initiatives and implement advanced automation technologies.