Associate Manufacturing Engineer Trainee

Dodge Industrial • Westminster, SC

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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. The 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 position provides daily engineering support to production, assists with equipment and process troubleshooting, evaluates opportunities to improve productivity and quality, and supports root cause analysis. It also involves designing and improving fixtures, tooling, jigs, and workholding solutions; creating and revising CAD drawings and models under engineering supervision; analyzing setup and changeover processes; evaluating production data; and documenting process changes. The employee helps operators interpret drawings and work instructions, supports compliance with engineering, safety, and quality requirements, contributes to preventative maintenance and special projects, and performs other duties as needed.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, Mechanical Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
• Ability to read, interpret, and explain engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities.
• 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.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and perform repetitive movements.
• 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 and effective production operations.
• Support preventative maintenance efforts designed 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree