Engineer I, Manufacturing

Oatey Company • Shakopee, MN

1d • $67,078 - $103,971 • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports safe, efficient, and reliable production by improving and developing machines, tools, equipment, and manufacturing processes. The role provides a combination of daily production line support and project-based engineering work, including troubleshooting safety, quality, and productivity issues and implementing longer-term process and equipment improvements. This position works closely with Manufacturing Engineering leadership, Production, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, operators, and external vendors to ensure operational goals are consistently met.

Requirements

• 0–5 years of manufacturing engineering, technical, or related manufacturing experience.
• Intermediate knowledge of 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Ability to design, modify, and support tooling, fixtures, parts, and equipment improvements.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills, including the ability to diagnose equipment issues, identify root causes, and develop practical corrective actions.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment systems, including pneumatics, hydraulics, PLC-based systems, sensors, switches, and basic automated machine elements.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, equipment manuals, and process documentation.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.
• Experience supporting RFQs, quote comparisons, vendor coordination, cost estimates, and purchase request documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with operators, technicians, supervisors, engineers, vendors, and leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including listening, collaboration, coaching, and conflict resolution.
• Working knowledge of applicable safety standards and requirements, including machine guarding, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and safe work practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a production environment and respond effectively to changing business needs.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with FMEA or other structured problem-solving and risk-assessment tools preferred.
• Experience with 3D printing, 3D printer slicing software, GibbsCAM, or similar manufacturing support software preferred.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily production and equipment support by diagnosing safety, quality, and productivity issues and coordinating with Maintenance and Production teams to resolve equipment or process concerns.
• Lead or support engineering projects to improve manufacturing machines, tools, equipment, and processes while ensuring solutions meet safety, quality, productivity, and reliability requirements.
• Develop, modify, and improve tooling, fixtures, machine components, and equipment as needed to support production and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including safe operating procedures, standard work, target production rates, technical drawings, and process documentation.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, equipment manuals, and production data to support troubleshooting, equipment improvements, and process development.
• Investigate equipment failures and performance issues to identify root causes and recommend or implement corrective actions in partnership with Maintenance, Production, Safety, and Quality.
• Apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and standardization across manufacturing operations.
• Estimate project costs, obtain quotes, evaluate vendor proposals, and present recommendations for equipment, tooling, process, and facilities-related projects.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, including RFQs, quote comparisons, purchase request authorization documentation, project timelines, vendor information, and other required project records.
• Coordinate project execution with Maintenance, Production, Safety, Quality, and external vendors to ensure projects are implemented safely, effectively, and with minimal disruption to production.
• Support equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, and validation activities for new or modified equipment and processes.
• Use 3D CAD and related software to design, modify, document, and support tooling, fixtures, parts, and manufacturing equipment improvements.
• Partner with production operators and supervisors to gather feedback, validate process changes, improve standard work, and ensure engineering solutions are practical and effective.
• Support multiple production lines and departments through cross-functional collaboration and prioritization of competing production and project needs.
• Provide occasional on-call or off-shift support for urgent equipment, process, or production issues.
• Maintain a working environment that supports safety, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement, and positive morale.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off programs and paid company holidays to support flexibility and work-life balance
• Annual Discretionary Cash Profit Sharing
• Immediate eligibility and vesting in 401(k), including 100% company match, up to 5% of eligible compensation
• Market leading health insurance including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance offerings for associates and qualified dependents
• Significant company contribution to Health Savings Account with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability income protection coverage at no cost to associates
• Paid Maternity and Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• A strong set of complementary resources to support associate well-being, including resource groups, EAP, and dedicated mental health support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level