Manufacturing Engineer

Description

GSM Outdoors is seeking an experienced and innovative Manufacturing Engineer to help improve the way our products are made. This role is responsible for evaluating, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and cost while supporting the successful production of GSM Outdoors products.

The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with production teams, technicians, maintenance, quality, product development, and equipment vendors to identify opportunities for improvement and implement practical manufacturing solutions. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who can navigate complex manufacturing challenges, manage projects from concept through implementation, and translate engineering knowledge into measurable improvements on the production floor.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer develops and improves manufacturing processes by studying product requirements, production methods, equipment, tooling, materials, and workflow. This position evaluates existing processes, researches and implements new manufacturing methods, improves facility and equipment layouts, supports quality initiatives, and provides engineering expertise to manufacturing operations.

The Manufacturing Engineer will also provide technical guidance to technicians and production personnel, coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs, analyze manufacturing costs and requirements, and ensure processes comply with applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

What You'll Do

Manufacturing Process Development & Improvement

• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety, and cost.
• Develop, test, and implement new manufacturing processes, methods, equipment, and procedures.
• Study product requirements and collaborate with Product Development and Manufacturing teams to ensure products can be efficiently and consistently produced.
• Apply knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, materials, and manufacturing methods to solve production challenges.
• Research and evaluate new manufacturing technologies, equipment, tools, and processes.
• Work with equipment vendors to evaluate solutions, obtain technical information, and support equipment implementation.
• Gather feedback and observations from production operators and incorporate frontline insights into process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve cycle times, increase throughput, and optimize resource utilization.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.

Workflow, Layout & Efficiency

• Analyze production workflows, space requirements, equipment utilization, and facility layouts.
• Recommend changes to equipment placement, workstations, material flow, and  production processes to improve efficiency.
• Evaluate labor and material requirements and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Review production schedules and manufacturing requirements to support capacity planning.
• Calculate and analyze production, labor, and material costs to support manufacturing decisions.
• Assist with estimating future equipment, labor, material, and production requirements.

Quality & Process Control

• Develop and implement testing methods to evaluate product and process capabilities.
• Establish and document manufacturing standards, procedures, and process controls.
• Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure products consistently meet established quality requirements.
• Investigate process and production issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Partner with Quality and Production teams to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Support validation of manufacturing processes and equipment prior to production implementation.
• Maintain a strong commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction.

Equipment, Tooling & Maintenance

• Evaluate manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and related systems to ensure they meet production requirements.
• Support the design, development, modification, and implementation of manufacturing tools and equipment.
• Apply knowledge of tool design and fabrication methods to support manufacturing improvements.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repair activities with internal maintenance teams and external service providers.
• Work with equipment manufacturers and vendors to troubleshoot issues and coordinate specialized service when required.
• Follow manufacturer specifications, established procedures, and safety requirements for equipment operation and maintenance.
• Identify equipment reliability issues and recommend improvements to minimize downtime.

Data, Reporting & Analysis

• Collect, analyze, and summarize manufacturing data, trends, and performance information.
• Prepare product and process reports for management and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate manufacturing process and product data.
• Develop and maintain databases, spreadsheets, and other tools used to track manufacturing information.
• Use data to identify trends, inefficiencies, quality issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide timely engineering information and recommendations in response to manufacturing questions and requests.

Project Management & Implementation

• Lead or support manufacturing engineering projects from initial evaluation through implementation.
• Develop project plans, timelines, priorities, and milestones for assigned initiatives.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Product Development, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
• Manage multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining focus on quality, cost, and schedule.
• Train and guide technicians and other employees on new processes, equipment, tools, and procedures.
• Monitor implemented improvements to ensure they deliver the intended results.
• Document process changes, results, and lessons learned.

Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with applicable government regulations, safety requirements, and environmental standards.
• Promote safe work practices and identify opportunities to reduce workplace risks.
• Support investigations related to manufacturing, equipment, safety, and process issues.
• Maintain awareness of applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, quality, and operational excellence.

Team Collaboration

• Serve as a technical resource for Production, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Product Development teams.
• Provide engineering guidance and practical solutions to manufacturing challenges.
• Build strong working relationships with production operators, technicians, managers, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate complex technical information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Contribute to team objectives and support additional manufacturing initiatives as needed.

Requirements

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, product fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials.
• Good knowledge of tool design and fabrication methods.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve manufacturing processes.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex manufacturing issues.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound engineering decisions.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to influence and guide cross-functional teams.
• Strong commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with applicable safety and environmental standards.
• Highly detail-oriented and meticulous with a practical, hands-on approach.
• Creative and inventive approach to solving manufacturing challenges.

Education & Experience

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

Preferred Education:

• Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or a related field preferred.

Required Experience:

• 5+ years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience.
• Experience working directly with manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, materials, and production environments.

Key Competencies

• Problem Solver: Able to evaluate complex manufacturing challenges and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Process Improvement Mindset: Continuously looks for ways to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and cost.
• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, materials, fabrication, and assembly.
• Project Management: Effectively manages projects, timelines, resources, and stakeholders.
• Leadership: Provides technical direction and earns the confidence of production teams and cross-functional partners.
• Analytical: Uses data, testing, and observations to make informed engineering decisions.
• Hands-On: Comfortable working directly with production teams, equipment, tools, and manufacturing processes.
• Detail Oriented: Maintains a high level of precision and accuracy in engineering and manufacturing activities.
• Communication: Clearly communicates technical information, recommendations, and project status.
• Independent: Able to take ownership of assignments and work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Quality Focused: Maintains a strong commitment to product quality and process consistency.
• Innovative: Brings creativity and new ideas to manufacturing challenges and continuous improvement opportunities.

Why GSM Outdoors?

At GSM Outdoors, we design, manufacture, and distribute products that support the outdoor lifestyle across a diverse portfolio of trusted fishing, hunting, shooting, and outdoor brands.

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on how our products are produced by improving processes, supporting innovative manufacturing solutions, and helping our teams operate more efficiently and effectively. This is a hands-on engineering role where your ideas can translate directly into improvements on the production floor and across our manufacturing operations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

GSM Outdoors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required for the position. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.