Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Western Partitions, Inc. (WPI) is one of the largest and most reputable interior and exterior contracting firms in the US. We specialize in drywall, prefabrication, metal studs, acoustical systems, wall panels, industrialized construction and offsite modular construction components.

Since WPI's inception in 1972, we have provided award-winning construction without sacrificing integrity, safety, or efficiency. We are proud that a significant percentage of our business comes from repeat customers. Our service-oriented, fast-track approach, coupled with an attention to detail has resulted in a superior reputation within our industry. We work hard every day to earn our customers' trust and confidence.

Throughout our history, our dedication to our employees, quality of work, and customers has set us apart. The strongest characteristic of our organization is the prominent level of pride we take in every job we complete. Our employees are driven to do the job right the first time without compromise. Lastly, our customers choose WPI based on the emphasis we place on communication, trust, and respect.

Position Summary

We're hiring an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to independently design tooling and fixtures and own process improvements across welding, powder coating, assembly and integration, and shipping prep operations. This role is responsible for designing, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing processes to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency in the production system. This role also tracks equipment and process KPIs, drives new process design for product launches, and supports capital expenditure (CapEx) projects from scope through execution. This is a low-supervision role — you'll be trusted to run projects end-to-end, make judgment calls on the floor, and bring solutions rather than escalating problems. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of direct experience in industrial, manufacturing, or mechanical engineering, hands-on experience in fabrication environments, and a passion for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities 

• Design, build and modify tooling, fixtures, and equipment for steel operations to comply with contract specs and tolerances.
• Analyze and improve workflow processes in but not limited to fabrication processes, powder coating, assembly, and Mechanical/Electrical System integration.
• Design new process flow to support new product launch and production line start up.
• Develop and maintain process documentation: SOPs, work instructions, control plans, and PFMEAs.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA/8D) and corrective actions for process-related issues.
• Collaborate with design, production, and quality teams to support new product introductions.
• Review technical drawings for conformance with design intent and fabrication standards.
• Plan and develop Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Monitor and report on process KPIs such as first pass yield, cycle time, and scrap rate.
• Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AWS D1.1).
• Support automation and digital transformation initiatives within the plant.
• Manage assigned projects, both small and capital expenditures to complete on schedule, within budget and meeting all required guidelines.
• Provide technical support to production for complex mechanical, electrical and controls issues.
• Optimize consumables workflows and workstation layouts to hit production deliverables and goals.

Qualifications 

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing/industrial/mechanical engineering, specifically in building and optimizing production lines.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering.
• Demonstrated track record designing tooling and fixtures and implementing manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor, Revit).
• Strong analytical skills, problem solving, and experience with statistical process control (SPC).
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping).

Preferred Skills 

• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, and CNC machinery.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies and data analytics.
• Experience in modular construction.
• Experience in a steel fabrication or heavy manufacturing environment.

Benefits

At WPI our employees are our greatest asset. We put our people first and are proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our employees at every stage of life.

In our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive personally and professionally, we offer:

• Competitive pay
• Incentive bonus plan
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with match
• Medical, prescription drug, dental and vision insurance plans with flexible spending account option
• Life insurance, accidental death, and disability benefits
• Flexible paid time off policy and paid holidays

WPI provides equal employment and affirmative action opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

WPI is a background screening, drug-free workplace.

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed by employees. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required of the employee of this job. Furthermore, this description is subject to change at the discretion of the company, with or without notice.