Manufacturing Engineer

Federal Signal Openings • Houston, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, improving, and supporting manufacturing processes for aluminum dump trailers, including end dump, bottom dump, and transfer trailer systems. This role focuses on optimizing fabrication, welding, assembly, and production efficiency while maintaining safety, quality, and cost targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of manufacturing experience.
• Welding processes (MIG/TIG, pulsed MIG preferred)
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar)
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
• Familiarity with metal cutting plasma systems & CNC table operations
• Familiarity with ProNest (Hypertherm nesting software)
• Familiarity with EnRoute / N-route CNC programming
• Experience dealing with complexity, leadership, supervision, lean principles, manufacturing methods and procedures, manufacturing quality.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Ability to work on the production floor and handle multiple priorities.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented mindset
• Valid TX DL

Responsibilities

• Process Development & Optimization: Design and implement efficient manufacturing processes for aluminum trailer components and assemblies. Develop and maintain process flow diagrams, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Optimize production line layouts for welding, fabrication, and final assembly. Identify opportunities for cycle time reduction, waste elimination, and cost savings.
• Welding & Fabrication Engineering: Support aluminum welding processes (MIG/TIG), including thin and thick gauge materials. Develop weld sequences, fixturing, and distortion control methods. Work closely with welding teams to ensure structural integrity and cosmetic quality. Ensure compliance with internal quality requirements. Develop and optimize CNC plasma cutting processes for aluminum sheets, plates, and structural components. Improve material utilization and reduce scrap through optimized nesting strategies.
• Product Design Support (DFM): Collaborate with design engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM). Provide feedback on structural frame components.
• Tooling & Fixtures: Design, specify, and implement welding fixtures and assembly jigs. Improve fixture ergonomics and repeatability for high-volume production. Work with suppliers to procure tooling and capital equipment.
• Production Support: Provide daily support to fabrication, welding, and assembly teams. Troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to fit-up problems, welding defects, plasma cut quality (dross, bevel, warping), nesting inefficiencies, and fit-up mismatches between cut parts and assembly alignment. Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Continuous Improvement (Lean Manufacturing): Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives including 5S implementation, value stream mapping, and Kaizen events. Improve productivity, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Improve material utilization, cutting cycle time, and downstream welding efficiency.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure products meet internal and external quality standards. Support root cause analysis for defects and warranty issues. Implement process controls and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke). Work with QA to maintain inspection standards and documentation.
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Support new trailer model launches (end dump, bottom dump, transfer systems). Develop manufacturing plans, validate processes, and conduct trial builds. Coordinate with cross-functional teams during pilot production.
• Safety & Ergonomics: Ensure manufacturing processes comply with safety standards. Identify and mitigate ergonomic risks in welding and assembly operations. Support implementation of safe work practices and training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level