Manufacturing Engineer

Birdon America, Inc.•Portland, CT

31d

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer will independently plan and execute engineering and technical work related to the design, drafting, and continuous improvement of manufactured products and processes. This role involves creating and maintaining 2D drawings, 3D models, and detailed manufacturing prints, ensuring they meet industry and internal engineering standards. The engineer will validate product designs using 3D modeling tools, assign and manage part numbers, and maintain engineering documentation within systems like Autodesk Vault. A key responsibility is updating Bills of Materials (BOMs) in the company ERP system for accurate production planning and inventory control. The role also includes processing engineering changes, developing assembly instructions, and providing direct engineering support to fabrication, machining, and assembly teams. Collaboration with production teams to refine designs for manufacturability (DFM), investigate challenges, and recommend solutions is crucial. The engineer will apply knowledge of metallurgy and material properties, support new product introduction (NPI), and work with external vendors. They will also design simple tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions, assist in prototyping, and partner with quality and production teams to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement. Maintaining a safe work environment and supporting structural/systems evaluations are also part of the role.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in a manufacturing or production engineering environment, with demonstrated experience supporting fabricated and machined components.
Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Pro-E, AutoCAD, or Autodesk Inventor) with a focus on production-ready design.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems preferred.
Hands-on understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly.
Ability to design simple tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions for production environments.
Working knowledge of machining practices, cutting tools, and equipment such as mills and lathes.
Experience using precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
Solid understanding of math principles including algebra, trigonometry, and geometry as applied to manufacturing.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, process documentation, and safety procedures in a manufacturing setting.
Familiarity with quality standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100 and continuous improvement methodologies.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and commitment to workplace safety.
Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, team-oriented approach to supporting production and cross-functional teams.
Positive attitude and ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, and quality teams.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Matlab, Mathcad, or Maple is a plus.

Responsibilities

Independently plan and execute engineering and technical work related to the design, drafting, and continuous improvement of manufactured products and processes.
Create and maintain 2D drawings, 3D models, and detailed manufacturing prints based on production requirements and existing designs.
Develop manufacturing-ready drawings in accordance with applicable industry and internal engineering standards.
Validate product designs using 3D modeling tools to ensure proper form, fit, and function with real-world manufacturing constraints.
Assign and manage part numbers for fabricated and purchased components in alignment with company systems.
Maintain and organize engineering documentation, including production drawings and revisions, within Autodesk Vault or similar systems.
Create and update Bills of Materials (BOMs) in the company ERP system with a focus on accuracy for production planning and inventory control.
Process engineering changes and corrective actions, updating drawings and specifications based on feedback from production, quality, and shop floor personnel.
Develop assembly instructions, illustrated parts breakdowns, and product documentation to support manufacturing and maintenance.
Provide direct engineering support to fabrication, machining, and assembly teams to resolve production issues and improve throughput.
Collaborate with production teams to refine product and process designs for manufacturability (DFM), reducing cost, lead time, and material waste while improving ease of fabrication and assembly.
Investigate manufacturing and design challenges, evaluate alternatives, and recommend practical, production-focused solutions.
Apply knowledge of metallurgy and material properties to support machining, welding, and fabrication processes across materials such as stainless steels, carbon steels, cast iron, and aluminum.
Support new product introduction (NPI) by transitioning designs from concept through prototype into full-scale production.
Work with external vendors and suppliers on component sourcing, fabrication processes, and tooling requirements.
Review project requirements to determine testing methods, production feasibility, and opportunities for design or process improvements.
Design simple tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions for production environments.
Assist in prototyping activities, including the creation of models, molds, and forms for testing and production readiness.
Partner with quality, production, and leadership teams to resolve manufacturing and quality issues.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process efficiency, and cost reduction.
Maintain a safe and organized work environment, adhering to all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
Support structural and systems evaluations by collecting data, performing analyses, and generating detailed reports to support engineering and manufacturing decisions.
Create repair and rework solutions, including technical documentation and work instructions, while collaborating with fabrication and assembly teams to ensure successful implementation.