Manufacturing Engineer I - 1st Shift

Kato Cable LLC•Mankato, MN

15h•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

Kato Cable is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer I to help improve the efficiency, quality, and consistency of our manufacturing processes. In this role, you will work closely with Production, Quality, Project Engineering, and Supply Chain to support customer-driven manufacturing projects from setup through production, design and implement tooling, fixtures, and jigs, develop and improve work instructions, SOPs, and testing requirements, support new product introductions and production-line readiness, troubleshoot equipment, tooling, material, and process issues, and use Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles to reduce waste and improve workflow. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who wants to be actively involved in manufacturing—not sitting behind a desk all day. You’ll spend meaningful time on the production floor, learn our processes firsthand, and help create solutions that make a measurable difference. The Manufacturing Engineer I supports manufacturing operations by applying engineering principles within a designated production area and assisting with customer-driven projects. This role focuses on improving production efficiency, quality, and consistency through effective documentation, equipment setup and optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer I works closely with cross-functional teams to support safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field required.
Willingness to work on the production floor and learn through hands-on tasks.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical documents, work instructions, specifications, and procedures relevant to the role.
Ability to perform basic mathematical equations relevant to manufacturing and engineering tasks.
Ability to manage a variety of job assignments, apply logical reasoning, and solve routine manufacturing-related problems with guidance as needed.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook
Basic CAD software
General internet and computer use
Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)
Self-driven, hands-on approach to problem-solving
Strong planning, documentation, and communication skills
Willingness to learn production processes through direct, hands-on experience

Nice To Haves

Manufacturing, wire harness, cable assembly, Lean, Six Sigma, or ERP experience is preferred
Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment preferred.
Three to five years of cable assembly/wire harness experience.
Exposure to Lean Manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies.
Experience with ERP systems or basic manufacturing- related data entry.

Responsibilities

Develop proficiency in one of three designated production areas within an established onboarding and training period and provide ongoing engineering support within that area.
Support and execute customer-driven manufacturing projects by ensuring tooling, testing, and manufacturing processes are established, documented, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
Design and support the implementation of tooling, fixtures, and jigs to improve productivity, quality, and repeatability.
Assist in the development, maintenance, and improvement of work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), fixtures, and testing requirements.
Support equipment setup, documentation, and optimization while ensuring compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and internal procedures.
Analyze production workflows and assist production teams with continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and 5S principles to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and minimize process variation.
Execute Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Design Review Forms (DRFs), and Process Improvement Forms (PIFs) to ensure accurate documentation, proper approvals, and effective implementation of manufacturing changes.
Assist with troubleshooting basic issues related to equipment, tooling, fixtures, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including documentation development, line readiness, and process validation.
Collaborate effectively with Production, Quality, Project Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support manufacturing goals and customer requirements.
Apply independent judgment and engineering fundamentals to evaluate manufacturing processes and recommend improvements under the guidance of senior engineering staff.