Manufacturing Engineer - Fabrication

American Crane & Equipm•Amity Township, PA

3d•$85,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

ACECO is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with strong fabrication expertise to develop, optimize, and support the manufacturing processes for custom crane and material handling equipment. This role is hands-on, focusing on steel fabrication, welding, large equipment assembly, rigging, and shipping within a custom, engineer-to-order environment. The engineer will work directly with production teams and design engineers to ensure efficient, safe, and timely fabrication. Responsibilities include optimizing routing, work cell layout, material flow, reviewing rigging and handling methods, engineering shipping solutions, developing fixtures, and leading lean initiatives. The role also involves supporting capital equipment projects, ERP system transitions, and collaboration with Quality, Safety, and Supply Chain. Success requires the ability to bridge the gap between design intent and shop floor reality, moving comfortably between the shop floor and design reviews.

Requirements

Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Ability to verify identity and employment authorization through Form I-9.
Eligibility to access information or technology governed by applicable U.S. export-control laws, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810, EAR, and/or ITAR, where applicable.
Willingness to undergo a background check in accordance with applicable laws.
Willingness to undergo a pre-employment drug screen and randomized drug testing during employment.
Ability to work full-time on-site at ACECO Plant 1 in Douglassville, PA.
Ability to meet the posted work schedule and work additional hours when manufacturing or project needs require.
Ability to maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
Willingness to follow all company safety policies and procedures.
Willingness to wear required PPE in all designated manufacturing areas.
Willingness to complete required safety, compliance, and role-specific training.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Strong fabrication and welding knowledge and hands-on manufacturing process experience.
Ability to interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, and project schedules.
Experience developing and optimizing manufacturing processes in a custom or engineer-to-order environment.
Practical understanding of rigging, handling, and moving large weldments and heavy assemblies.
Practical understanding of lean manufacturing principles applied to low-volume, high-mix production.
Experience with make-versus-buy analysis and outsourcing coordination.
Strong cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Purchasing.
Comfort working on the shop floor alongside production teams.
Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Initiative and ownership mindset — identifies problems and drives solutions.
Meaningful experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on steel fabrication and welding processes.
Hands-on fabrication experience — understanding of welding processes (GMAW, FCAW, SAW, SMAW), fit-up, fixturing, weld sequencing, and distortion control.
Experience interpreting blueprints, fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and GD&T.
Experience with rigging engineering, heavy lift planning, or handling of large weldments and assemblies.
Experience engineering shipping provisions — fixtures, blocking and bracing, tie-downs, preservation, and packaging for heavy or oversized components.
Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or Six Sigma methodologies.
Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing data management.
Experience supporting capital equipment projects — drawing reviews, installation planning, vendor coordination.
Steel fabrication and welding processes (GMAW, FCAW, SAW, SMAW).
Blueprint and fabrication drawing interpretation.
Weld symbols and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
Rigging engineering and heavy lift planning.
Shipping engineering — fixtures, blocking, bracing, tie-downs, preservation.
Factory acceptance test (FAT) fixture development.
Process routing and work cell layout.
Material flow and throughput optimization.
Lean manufacturing and waste elimination.
Design for manufacturability (DFM).
Make-versus-buy analysis.
ERP systems and manufacturing data.
Capital equipment planning and installation support.
CAD software (ability to read and review).
Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Nice To Haves

Custom manufacturing, engineer-to-order, heavy fabrication, structural steel, or low-volume/high-mix environments strongly preferred.
Heavy equipment, crane, material handling, structural steel, bridge, or similar heavy industrial manufacturing experience is a significant advantage.
Associate degree with significant relevant manufacturing engineering experience will be considered.
Equivalent demonstrated experience may be considered when supported by a strong technical manufacturing background.

Responsibilities

Develop and improve manufacturing processes for steel fabrication, welding, and large equipment assembly.
Optimize routing, work cell layout, and material flow to improve throughput and reduce rework.
Lead lean initiatives tailored to engineer-to-order environments, focusing on reducing cycle time, improving first-pass yield, and eliminating waste while maintaining flexibility for custom builds.
Maintain a deep understanding of manufacturing capabilities and areas where additional oversight is prudent.
Review in-process rigging and handling methods for large weldments and assemblies, including lift points, sling selections, and below-the-hook device selections.
Coordinate engineered and critical lifts with Production Engineering as required and in advance of lifting activities.
Engineer shipping provisions for finished cranes and components, including shipping fixtures, blocking and bracing, tie-downs and restraints, and preservation and packaging requirements.
Develop and plan required fixtures, supports, and test weights for factory acceptance tests (FATs); coordinate with Production Engineering as required.
Provide manufacturing input to estimating and quoting, including labor hours and make-versus-buy decisions.
Supply and coordinate manufacturing input for design reviews and estimating.
Provide design-for-manufacturability input during design reviews.
Collaborate with Engineering and Production to redline drawings for design changes and ensure in-process components and materials are updated.
Provide routine feedback to Production Engineering on design improvements and enhancements to increase quality and efficiency.
Support CapEx projects with drawing reviews, installation planning, and coordination with necessary resources.
Collaborate on recommendations for equipment purchases to improve efficiency.
Identify new technology required to support manufacturing.
Support the transition of the ERP system by ensuring manufacturing data is accurate, structured, and maintainable.
Collaborate in the development of manufacturing KPIs and implementation of a continuous improvement mindset.
Collaborate with Safety on plant equipment and processes related to EHS.