Manufacturing Engineer - Automated Assembly Equipment

Flex•Buffalo Grove, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Flex is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer responsible for optimizing and sustaining automated, high-throughput assembly processes. This role focuses on maximizing equipment efficiency, yield, and product quality while supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced production environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
7+ years of manufacturing industry experience in high-speed automated assembly, e.g. SMT, medical devices (ideal), electronics, automotive, defense/aerospace, pharmaceutical, or consumer products).
Hands-on experience with automation systems (Vision / Cognex), robotics, and PLC-controlled equipment.
Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred).
Experience with PFMEA, control plans, and validation methods.
Familiarity with servo motion control and sensors.
Must have experience troubleshooting and fixing mechanical systems, e.g. gear boxes, PLCs, etc.
Fixing system-related issues (e.g. line PC shut-downs, etc.).
Experience reading schematics and drawings, a must.
Proficiency in CAD tools and manufacturing analysis software.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
Effective communication (verbal and written), interpersonal / cross-functional collaboration, and organizational skills, all required.

Responsibilities

Optimize cycle time, throughput, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Perform line balancing, time studies, and capacity analysis.
Develop preventive maintenance strategies in collaboration with maintenance teams.
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues to minimize downtime.
Implement process controls (SPC, poka-yoke, error-proofing).
Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for defects and implement corrective/preventive actions.
Support PFMEA, control plans, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives.
Reduce waste, scrap, and cycle inefficiencies.
Lead Kaizen events and cost-reduction projects.
Develop process documentation, work instructions, and training materials.
Support pilot builds and production ramp-up.
Analyze production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
Monitor KPIs such as yield, uptime, cycle time, and scrap rates.
Implement digital manufacturing tools and MES integration where applicable.
Work with Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Production teams.
Interface with external suppliers and equipment integrators.