Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Gates Corporation • Poplar Bluff, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Located at Gates’ Poplar Bluff, Missouri plant, the Sr. Manufacturing Engineer drives operational excellence, process optimization, and manufacturing performance. The role leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. It applies engineering expertise and data-driven decision-making to improve equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, and product quality while supporting strategic business objectives. The engineer collaborates with operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and product engineering teams to deliver sustainable improvements and support capacity growth.

The role also serves as a technical subject matter expert for manufacturing processes, equipment, and production systems; leads process-improvement and cost-reduction initiatives; develops and executes capital and facility projects; and supports new product launches, process transfers, and feasibility assessments. It establishes manufacturing standards and documentation, conducts capacity and labor studies, mentors junior staff, and ensures compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 8–10 years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale process improvement, cost reduction, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
• Experience with manufacturing quality systems and core tools, including APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Gage R&R, Process Capability, and Manufacturing Feasibility Studies.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing and implementing capital equipment projects and automation or robotics initiatives.
• Advanced problem-solving and statistical analysis skills, including proficiency with Minitab or similar analytical software.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing metrics, including OEE, scrap, yield, cycle time, labor efficiency, and capacity utilization.
• Proficiency in CAD software for equipment, tooling, and facility layout design.
• Experience conducting time studies, labor analyses, process flow evaluations, and capacity planning activities.
• Strong project management skills, including experience using project scheduling tools and managing budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in automotive, polymer, rubber, plastics, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing process-improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and optimize overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Drive scrap reduction, yield improvement, and cost-saving projects in assigned manufacturing areas or value streams.
• Serve as the technical subject matter expert for critical manufacturing processes, equipment, and production systems.
• Use Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical analysis tools to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and sustain improvements.
• Lead data collection, process analysis, and reporting to support defect reduction, throughput improvements, and operational excellence.
• Partner with maintenance and operations teams to troubleshoot complex equipment and process issues and minimize downtime.
• Develop, justify, and execute capital equipment and facility improvement projects, including equipment upgrades, automation, and process modernization.
• Establish and maintain standard work, process documentation, quality control plans, and manufacturing specifications.
• Support new product launches, process transfers, and manufacturing feasibility assessments.
• Conduct capacity analysis, labor optimization studies, and facility layout improvements to support business growth and efficiency.
• Mentor junior engineers and manufacturing personnel and foster continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Benefits

• Bonus eligible.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance, and other voluntary benefit options; benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following the date of hire.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, accrued; 11 holidays (9 scheduled and 2 floating); and 8 sick days.
• 401(k) with a 3% company contribution and an additional 3% company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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