Associate Manufacturing Engineer Trainee

RBC•Westminster, SC

15h

About The Position

The Associate Manufacturing Engineer supports production operations by improving manufacturing processes, designing tooling and fixtures, troubleshooting production challenges, and contributing to continuous improvement. This hands-on role works with engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and support the manufacture of aerospace products. It is suited to someone with mechanical aptitude, CAD experience, and an interest in solving practical manufacturing challenges. The role provides daily engineering support to production, assists with manufacturing-floor troubleshooting, evaluates processes, and supports root cause analysis and corrective actions. It also involves designing and improving fixtures, tooling, jigs, and workholding solutions; creating and revising CAD drawings and models under engineering supervision; and identifying ways to reduce tooling costs while meeting production and quality requirements. The Associate Manufacturing Engineer analyzes setup and changeover processes, evaluates production data, supports Lean Manufacturing and other continuous improvement initiatives, documents process changes, and maintains manufacturing records. The position also supports operators with engineering drawings and work instructions, helps ensure compliance with engineering standards, specifications, safety requirements, and quality expectations, contributes to preventative maintenance and special projects, and performs other duties as required. RBC Bearings describes its work as the design and manufacture of precision-engineered products for demanding environments. It highlights technical excellence, continuous improvement, customer focus, global manufacturing operations, innovation, and employee development. RBC Bearings is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, Mechanical Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical discipline.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities.
Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
Ability to read, interpret, and explain engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with engineers, operators, maintenance personnel, and leadership teams.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods on concrete surfaces.
Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and repetitive movement.
Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 35 pounds independently; heavier items require assistance.
Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment and comply with company safety policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

1–3 years of manufacturing experience preferred.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, tooling, machining, or aerospace manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Provide daily engineering support to production teams to resolve manufacturing issues and minimize downtime.
Assist with troubleshooting equipment, tooling, and process-related concerns on the manufacturing floor.
Evaluate manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, and quality.
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring production issues.
Design, develop, and improve manufacturing fixtures, tooling, jigs, and workholding solutions.
Use CAD software to create and revise engineering drawings and models under engineering supervision.
Identify opportunities to reduce tooling costs while maintaining production requirements and quality standards.
Analyze setup and changeover processes and implement improvements to reduce cycle times and increase throughput.
Collect and evaluate production data to support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
Document process changes and maintain accurate manufacturing records.
Assist production operators with interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
Support adherence to engineering standards, manufacturing specifications, safety requirements, and quality expectations.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support efficient production operations.
Support preventative maintenance efforts to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
Participate in special projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned.
Perform other duties as required to support business objectives.