Manufacturing Process Engineer

Kruger Family Industries • Portage, WI

1d

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer works to drive operational excellence by optimizing manufacturing systems, implement LEAN methodologies, and support production teams. Works cross functionally to design, implement and refine manufacturing processes. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following: Lead process improvement initiatives to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve product quality using LEAN and Six Sigma principles. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation. Design, implement, and refine manufacturing processes with a focus on throughput, yield, and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Supply Chain) to identify and implement improvement opportunities. Analyze production data and metrics to identify trends, root causes, and improvement actions. Support new product introductions (NPIs) and process validations, including tooling design reviews and trials. Participate in or lead Kaizen events, 5S audits, value stream mapping, and other continuous improvement activities. Drive a culture of safety and accountability by integrating safety improvements into manufacturing processes. Identify and justify capital equipment needs related to process improvements or new product launches.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, preferably in a thermoforming or plastics processing environment.
• Demonstrated experience with LEAN tools (5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, SMED, value stream mapping).
• Working knowledge of quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949 a plus).
• Six Sigma certification or LEAN certification preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with thermoforming tooling design and troubleshooting.
• Project management experience and ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement initiatives to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve product quality using LEAN and Six Sigma principles.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation.
• Design, implement, and refine manufacturing processes with a focus on throughput, yield, and quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Supply Chain) to identify and implement improvement opportunities.
• Analyze production data and metrics to identify trends, root causes, and improvement actions.
• Support new product introductions (NPIs) and process validations, including tooling design reviews and trials.
• Participate in or lead Kaizen events, 5S audits, value stream mapping, and other continuous improvement activities.
• Drive a culture of safety and accountability by integrating safety improvements into manufacturing processes.
• Identify and justify capital equipment needs related to process improvements or new product launches.

What This Job Offers

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