Manufacturing Technology Engineer (Inspection & Converting)

3M•Maplewood, MN

34d•$98,964 - $120,957•Onsite

About The Position

The Automated Inspection and Measurement group develops, integrates, deploys, and supports advanced vision, inspection, measurement, and automation systems across 3M manufacturing operations. The group applies machine vision and automated inspection technologies to factory automation, roll-good defect detection, surface inspection, and measurement applications that improve productivity, yield, quality, and plant performance. Through fundamental technology development, application engineering, system integration, and long-term support, the team enables digital manufacturing capabilities across multiple 3M divisions and serves as a corporate leader in practical, scalable deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies. As a Manufacturing Technology Engineer, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by: Design, integrate, commission, and support smart slitting and converting systems, with an emphasis on fully automated slitters that leverage upstream web inspection data for recipe management, cut planning, defect avoidance, and dynamic process control. Translate upstream inspection data into actionable converting strategies, including roll mapping, defect classification, cut optimization, process parameter selection, and closed-loop control opportunities. Develop and implement automated inspection solutions using technologies such as optics, machine vision, image processing, data analytics, and AI/machine learning to improve product quality, yield, and manufacturing efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, process engineering, controls engineering, quality, operations, and equipment suppliers, to solve complex manufacturing challenges and deploy robust technology solutions. Support smart converting and inspection systems in production environments, including troubleshooting, performance optimization, system upgrades, operator training, documentation, and ongoing reliability improvements. Provide technical support for manufacturing sites, including travel to production locations and participation in on-call support as needed to ensure system uptime and operational continuity. Identify opportunities to standardize and scale smart converting technologies across manufacturing platforms, driving repeatable deployment models and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline (completed and verified prior to start).
Three (3) or more years of professional experience developing, implementing, commissioning, or supporting automated inspection, machine vision, smart converting, or automated slitting systems.
Experience applying process engineering principles in a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment, including troubleshooting, process optimization, equipment commissioning, and continuous improvement.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong interpersonal, networking, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment across teams.
Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without current or future employer-sponsored visa sponsorship (including H1B, STEM OPT extensions, etc.).

Nice To Haves

Advanced technical expertise equivalent to a master’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Optical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical discipline.
Experience with converting technologies, including roll-good handling, slitting, rewinding, automated slitting, web handling, and related converting processes.
Experience working with upstream inspection data, roll maps, defect classification, recipe management, cut planning, or data-driven converting workflows.
Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems, including PLCs, HMIs, motion control, sensors, machine vision hardware, industrial networking, and manufacturing data systems.
Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following areas: image processing, signal processing, optics, lighting, camera selection, opto-mechanical design, software development, electronics, or industrial networking.
Experience defining technical requirements, developing project plans, managing priorities, and contributing to technology roadmaps or strategic planning.

Responsibilities

Design, integrate, commission, and support smart slitting and converting systems, with an emphasis on fully automated slitters that leverage upstream web inspection data for recipe management, cut planning, defect avoidance, and dynamic process control.
Translate upstream inspection data into actionable converting strategies, including roll mapping, defect classification, cut optimization, process parameter selection, and closed-loop control opportunities.
Develop and implement automated inspection solutions using technologies such as optics, machine vision, image processing, data analytics, and AI/machine learning to improve product quality, yield, and manufacturing efficiency.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, process engineering, controls engineering, quality, operations, and equipment suppliers, to solve complex manufacturing challenges and deploy robust technology solutions.
Support smart converting and inspection systems in production environments, including troubleshooting, performance optimization, system upgrades, operator training, documentation, and ongoing reliability improvements.
Provide technical support for manufacturing sites, including travel to production locations and participation in on-call support as needed to ensure system uptime and operational continuity.
Identify opportunities to standardize and scale smart converting technologies across manufacturing platforms, driving repeatable deployment models and continuous improvement.
Comply with corporate policies, procedures and security standards while performing assigned duties.
Contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.