Manufacturing Engineer (P1)

Hendrickson is a supplier of truck suspension systems and components as well as an aftermarket supplier for various truck components to the heavy-duty vehicle market. Due to a promotion, Hendrickson has a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate for a Manufacturing Engineer in our current products group for our facility just North of Fort Wayne, IN located in Kendallville, Indiana.

Position Purpose:

Develop and implement engineering solutions to improve manufacturing processes and support production objectives on the shop floor. Create and maintain detailed work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures to ensure safe consistent execution and quality standards. Identify, define, and support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. Collaborate closely with production personnel and cross-functional teams to address operational needs and drive process improvements based on key operational and quality metrics. Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D Corrective Action, Root Cause Analysis, and data-driven decision-making tools, to investigate and resolve manufacturing issues, improve process capability, and prevent recurrence of defects.

Essential Functions:

• Support and optimize kitting, distribution, packaging, beam assembly, and saddle assembly operations to ensure the efficient flow of materials and on-time delivery of production requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve standardized work instructions, operating procedures, and training documentation for kitting, distribution, packaging, and assigned assembly cell operations.
• Analyze and improve material flow, kitting processes, BOM structures, and material handling methods to maximize labor efficiency, inventory accuracy, and operational productivity.
• Support manufacturing operations by proactively identifying and resolving process issues to ensure safety, product quality, customer satisfaction, and uninterrupted production.
• Validate and maintain manufacturing routers and process standards for kitting and distribution work centers to ensure accurate labor standards and production planning.
• Maintain and update plant layouts to optimize material flow, space utilization, workplace organization, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Evaluate existing kitting, packaging, and distribution processes and implement improvements that enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and overall operational performance.

• Lead and support initiatives to reduce setup and changeover times through process improvements, equipment optimization, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Participate in the selection, justification, implementation, and continuous improvement of packaging and material-handling equipment to support operational objectives and future growth.
• Support new product launches by serving as a Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering representative on cross-functional launch teams, ensuring successful integration into production operations.
• Utilize industrial engineering principles to optimize labor utilization, workstation design, manufacturing processes, and equipment effectiveness.
• Identify and define future manufacturing and automation technology requirements that support productivity, capacity, quality, and long-term business objectives.
• Assist in the development of long-range capital planning strategies through the identification and justification of equipment, automation, and infrastructure investments.
• Improve the effectiveness of product and process change management systems to ensure efficient implementation and minimal disruption to operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, process evaluation, root cause investigation, and implementation of corrective actions that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting kitting, assembly, material distribution, logistics, or related manufacturing operations required.
• Demonstrated experience working within a team-based problem-solving environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and continuous improvement skills with the ability to identify and implement sustainable process enhancements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage, prioritize, and successfully complete multiple projects and tasks within established deadlines.
• Experience working in Lean Manufacturing environments required.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems required; QAD experience preferred.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Suite, and manufacturing or quality management software. Experience with Quality Planning Studio, Inspection Manager, NX, or similar applications preferred.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 quality management standards preferred.
• Working knowledge of labor standards, time studies, and manufacturing process optimization preferred.
• Experience supporting assembly operations and manufacturing process improvements preferred.
• Experience with capital equipment selection, procurement, justification, and implementation preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience developing and implementing error-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions for manual assembly processes preferred.  

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.