Manufacturing Engineer II - 1st Shift
About The Position
Kato Cable is seeking an experienced, hands-on Manufacturing Engineer II to lead process improvements, advance automation, and strengthen manufacturing performance across our production operations in Mankato, Minnesota. This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, working directly with production teams, and turning data and technical expertise into sustainable results. The Manufacturing Engineer II is responsible for supporting and improving manufacturing operations by developing proficiency across multiple production areas and leading initiatives that enhance process efficiency, quality, and compliance. This role designs, optimizes, and validates manufacturing and equipment processes; drives automation initiatives; and applies Lean Manufacturing methodologies to reduce variability and improve overall productivity. The Manufacturing Engineer II operates with a high degree of independence and serves as a technical resource for cross-functional teams.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field
- Four to seven years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated experience with equipment troubleshooting, process optimization, and continuous improvement
- Experience using CAD software and manufacturing data to support engineering decisions
- Strong project-management, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills
- Ability to independently manage competing priorities while remaining actively involved on the production floor
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents, specifications, work instructions, and quality system procedures.
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations relevant to manufacturing processes, data analysis, and engineering evaluations.
- Ability to analyze complex manufacturing problems, prioritize work independently, and apply sound engineering judgment to a variety of assignments.
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- 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)
Nice To Haves
- Experience with automation
- Capital equipment acquisition
- Cable assembly or wire harness manufacturing
- Lean or Six Sigma methodologies
- ERP systems
- ISO 9001
- Experience in cable assembly and/or wire harness manufacturing.
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing-related data entry or reporting.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 and quality management systems.
Responsibilities
- Design, optimize, and validate manufacturing and equipment processes
- Lead Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and minimize variation
- Identify and implement automation opportunities
- Lead capital equipment projects from specification and vendor evaluation through implementation and validation
- Serve as the primary engineering resource for complex customer-driven manufacturing projects
- Lead root cause analysis and support effective corrective and preventive actions
- Use production data and KPIs to improve quality, cycle time, equipment uptime, and overall performance
- Manage engineering changes and ensure accurate, compliant documentation
- Provide technical training and guidance to engineers, technicians, and production employees
- Collaborate with Production, Quality, Project Engineering, and Supply Chain to develop practical, sustainable solutions
- Develop and maintain proficiency in at least two of three designated production areas and provide advanced engineering support within those areas.
- Develop, implement, optimize, and maintain manufacturing and equipment processes to ensure clarity, efficiency, repeatability, and compliance with internal procedures and external customer specifications.
- Drive automation initiatives by identifying opportunities, developing solutions, and supporting implementation across manufacturing processes.
- Lead capital equipment acquisition efforts, including specification development, vendor evaluation, production demonstrations, justification, implementation, and validation.
- Manage and execute Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Design Review Forms (DRFs), and Process Improvement Forms (PIFs), ensuring proper approvals, accurate documentation, and effective implementation of changes.
- Utilize data and key performance indicators to drive improvements in quality, cycle time, equipment uptime, and overall manufacturing performance.
- Lead or facilitate root cause analysis efforts and support the implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions.
- Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Project Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support manufacturing objectives and customer requirements.
- Apply independent judgment and engineering expertise to evaluate complex manufacturing challenges and recommend sustainable solutions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
