Manufacturing Engineer I
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Company: R&L Spring Company
Job Summary:
The Manufacturing Engineer I supports the development, implementation, improvement, and documentation of safe, capable, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. This position works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and R&D to improve manufacturing performance, resolve technical issues, support new product introduction, and establish sustainable processes and standards.
The Manufacturing Engineer I is an early-career engineering role with responsibility for independently managing defined engineering and process improvement activities while receiving guidance on more complex projects. The successful candidate is mechanically inclined, analytical, comfortable working on the manufacturing floor, and capable of applying engineering principles and structured problem-solving methods to manufacturing challenges.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Develop, improve, and document manufacturing processes to support safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives.
- Analyze manufacturing processes, production data, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Investigate equipment, tooling, process, and product-quality issues using structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis.
- Develop and implement process improvements, standard work, work instructions, process flows, and other manufacturing documentation.
- Design, modify, and maintain tooling, fixtures, gauges, production aids, layouts, and other manufacturing solutions.
- Create and revise 3D models, assemblies, layouts, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, and requirements to support manufacturability and process decisions.
- Support prototypes, production trials, new product introductions, process changes, equipment installation, and process qualification activities.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to reduce waste, improve process capability, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
- Lead assigned portions of or participate in cross-functional improvement projects, coordinating with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, R&D, and other stakeholders.
- Measure and document the results of process improvements and support capacity planning, production flow, labor utilization, and process optimization initiatives.
- Maintain accurate engineering records and documentation and follow applicable quality-system, safety, environmental, and document-control requirements.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong mechanical aptitude and practical understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, tolerances, and basic GD&T requirements.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, machining, fabrication, assembly, measurement systems, or automated manufacturing equipment.
- Ability to use SolidWorks or similar CAD software to create and modify parts, assemblies, layouts, and drawings.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and present technical information using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft 365 applications.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to apply structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis methods.
- Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
- Ability to manage assigned projects, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on implementation activities.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with production employees and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work independently on defined engineering assignments while appropriately seeking guidance on complex or unfamiliar issues.
- Willingness to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor learning processes, equipment, and products hands-on.
Education and Experience:
- Associate degree required in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant manufacturing, engineering, tooling, machining, quality, maintenance, or production experience.
- Experience using SolidWorks or similar CAD software in an academic, internship, or professional setting preferred.
- Experience in wire forming, spring manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, or another precision or regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
- Experience or coursework in Lean Manufacturing, root-cause analysis, process capability, measurement systems, equipment validation, or process qualification preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Required to stand, walk, and use hands regularly.
- Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, and crouch.
- The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in both office and manufacturing-floor environments, including observing operating equipment and interacting with production personnel.
- Ability to safely use required personal protective equipment and comply with posted safety requirements.
Why R&L Spring?
At R&L Spring, we believe in fostering a family-like, collaborative culture where employees are empowered to grow and succeed. Join us to build a rewarding career in manufacturing while making a real impact on our processes and products.
Ready to engineer your future? Apply today!
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
Skills Required
- Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant manufacturing, engineering, tooling, machining, quality, maintenance, or production experience
- Strong mechanical aptitude and practical understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, tolerances, and basic GD&T requirements
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, machining, fabrication, assembly, measurement systems, or automated manufacturing equipment
- Ability to use SolidWorks or similar CAD software to create and modify parts, assemblies, layouts, and drawings
- Ability to collect, analyze, and present technical information using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft 365 applications
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Ability to apply structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis methods
- Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
- Ability to manage assigned projects, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on implementation activities
- Clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively with production employees and cross-functional teams
- Ability to work independently on defined engineering assignments while seeking guidance on complex or unfamiliar issues
- Willingness to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor learning processes, equipment, and products hands-on
- Experience using SolidWorks or similar CAD software in an academic, internship, or professional setting
- Experience in wire forming, spring manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, or another precision or regulated manufacturing environment
- Experience or coursework in Lean Manufacturing, root-cause analysis, process capability, measurement systems, equipment validation, or process qualification
What We Do
R&L Spring Company is a custom manufacturer of precision springs, rings, wireforms, micro-coiled products, and fourslide components. It serves OEMs in powersports, automotive, medical-device, and general industrial markets, producing compression, extension, and torsion springs as well as long coils and wire forms. The company also provides prototyping, tooling, and secondary and finishing processes, emphasizing consistent quality, efficient production, and customer-specific fulfillment.
