Kennedy Valve- Manufacturing Engineer

Kennedy Valve, a member of the McWane family of companies, is a gray and ductile iron foundry and computerized machining and assembly company. We have been an active community partner in Elmira, New York, for over 125 years.

People providing peace of mind water solutions.

To save lives, resources, and property by supplying the best waterworks and fire protection products in the world.

Our culture is important to us and forms the foundation for everything we do. Successful Team Members will embrace and perform in accordance with our following core values:

Safety:  People First – Step Up

Environment:  Protect Our Communities – Keep It Clean

Leadership:  I am Always On Stage – First Manage My Own Words & Behaviors

Accountability:  Lead Myself Well – Own It, Correct It, Learn From It, Move On

Excellence:  Always Working To Be Better – Value & Add Value

Trust:  The Speed Of Trust – Build, Don’t Break

Teamwork:  Help Each Other Be Great – Win Together

Communication:  Clear, Candid, & Constructive – Right Words, Right Time, Right Way

WHY KENNEDY VALVE?

Kennedy Valve offers great wages and robust benefits packages, as well as stability and a sense of team!

• Highly Competitive Salary $80,480-$99,417
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays and Paid Sick Leave
• Retirement: 401(k) & Roth IRA company match options
• Educational Reimbursement after one year of service
• Employer-paid life insurance with the option to supplement
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental plan options

SUMMARY:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for improving production processes, optimizing equipment performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within a heavy manufacturing environment. This position focuses on ensuring manufacturing methods are safe, efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with the company’s quality standards and production goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze, design, and implement manufacturing processes to maximize productivity and efficiency while reducing waste and downtime.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety teams to resolve production issues and improve product quality.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for process and equipment issues.
• Design and specify tooling, fixtures, and equipment modifications to improve workflow and reduce costs.
• Support the introduction of new products and technologies into production, including equipment setup and validation.
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Draft and/or update standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation.
• Ensure all processes comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide training and technical support to Production and Maintenance personnel.
• Participate in capital project planning, justification, and execution.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred.  Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, ideally within a heavy manufacturing or industrial environment (metal fabrication, machining, casting, or similar preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with lean manufacturing, process improvement, and equipment optimization.

• Proficient in reading technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics.
• Working knowledge of CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) and manufacturing analysis tools.
• Understanding of quality systems, safety regulations, and preventive maintenance principles.
• Hands-on experience with measuring tools (calipers, micrometers) and data acquisition tools.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma principles is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Standing on the production floor or sitting at a desk for long periods of time, and walking throughout the facility as required.
• Exposed to elements, such as cold, heat, noise, dust, odors, fumes, etc.
• Work time is spent primarily inside the main entrance building, with rounding on the manufacturing floor and KV grounds; occasional tasks and interactions outdoors.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER The above job description describes the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Kennedy Valve Co. is an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. It is the Company's policy to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and to prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, or any other legally protected status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and reserve the right to perform substance abuse testing as needed.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.