Manufacturing Engineer

The Kinetic Group•Anoka, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kinetic Group is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of small caliber ammunition. As we continue to invest in and expand our steel case manufacturing capabilities, we are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support the development, optimization, and scale-up of high-volume production processes. This role will focus on improving manufacturing performance through process development, equipment optimization, automation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and a dedicated Materials Engineer (Steel Processing) to ensure efficient, reliable, and scalable production processes. This position reports to the Sr. Manager of Manufacturing Engineering and is based out of our Anoka, Minnesota office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment
Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing processes and equipment
Demonstrated success troubleshooting manufacturing issues and implementing process improvements
Experience with process validation, equipment qualification, or production startup activities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to drive decisions
Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams

Nice To Haves

Experience with metal forming, stamping, machining, cold heading, wire forming, or related manufacturing processes
Exposure to heat treatment, annealing, tempering, or other thermal processing operations
Experience selecting, commissioning, or optimizing manufacturing equipment
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
Experience in highly regulated, precision manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, ammunition, or industrial manufacturing environments
Familiarity with automation, controls, vision systems, or manufacturing data systems
Experience troubleshooting material-related or metallurgical issues in partnership with technical specialists

Responsibilities

Lead development, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes in a high-volume production environment
Partner with Operations and Quality teams to improve throughput, yield, process capability, and product quality
Identify and implement solutions to manufacturing challenges related to equipment, process variation, tooling, and production efficiency
Evaluate, recommend, and support implementation of new equipment, automation, production systems, and manufacturing technologies
Lead process validation, commissioning, and startup activities for new equipment and manufacturing lines
Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement
Collaborate with the Materials Engineer on projects involving material performance, heat treatment, forming processes, and metallurgical considerations
Support development of manufacturing standards, work instructions, and best practices
Partner with external vendors, consultants, and equipment suppliers to implement process improvements
Drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost improvements through Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives