The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving manufacturing processes that support fabrication, welding, machining, assembly, and related production operations. This position serves as a technical resource for production teams, driving improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost while ensuring products are manufactured efficiently and meet customer requirements.
The Manufacturing Engineer works closely with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to support existing products, introduce new products, and optimize manufacturing operations through process improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Develop, implement, and maintain manufacturing processes for fabrication and assembly operations.
Analyze production workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, throughput, and cost.
Design and document standard work instructions, process flows, and manufacturing procedures.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other problem-solving methodologies.
Conduct time studies and workflow analyses to establish labor standards and improve productivity.
Recommend and implement process changes to reduce waste and improve operational performance.
Provide day-to-day technical support to fabrication and assembly operations.
Troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to equipment, materials, tooling, processes, and product quality.
Collaborate with supervisors and operators to resolve production challenges and minimize downtime.
Support production scheduling and capacity planning through process optimization and resource analysis.
Design, specify, and implement tooling and fixtures to improve safety, ergonomics, quality, and productivity.
Evaluate and recommend capital equipment purchases and automation opportunities.
Support installation, qualification, and commissioning of new equipment and manufacturing technologies.
Work with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Support product launches by developing manufacturing processes, routings, and work instructions.
Review engineering drawings and specifications to ensure manufacturability and efficient production.
Participate in design reviews and provide feedback regarding fabrication, welding, machining, assembly, and cost considerations.
Coordinate pilot runs and validation activities for new products and process changes.
Support quality initiatives through root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
Assist with the implementation and maintenance of quality management system requirements.
Develop and maintain process control methods and error-proofing solutions.
Ensure manufacturing processes comply with safety, environmental, and company standards.
Maintain engineering documentation including bills of materials (BOMs), routings, work instructions, process specifications, and engineering change documentation.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing experience in a fabrication, welding, machining, or assembly environment.
Experience implementing process improvements and lean manufacturing initiatives.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
Proficient with Autocad, Pronest and Solidworks.
Preferred Qualifications
High school diploma, engineering degree preferred
Prior mechanical engineering experience preferred
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Constantly exposed to high noise levels, strong odors, varying temperatures, and biohazardous conditions.
Requires prolonged sitting and movement throughout office/work locations, as well as occasional use of computers and office equipment.
Must frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb or balance.
Must be able to communicate effectively and identify potential workplace hazards.
Requires the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
Skills Required
- At least 10 years of manufacturing experience in fabrication, welding, machining, or assembly environments
- Experience implementing process improvements and Lean Manufacturing initiatives
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, ProNest, and SolidWorks
- High school diploma
- Engineering degree
- Prior mechanical engineering experience
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
What We Do
In a transitioning world, many things change. Global population growth, climate change, increased life expectancy and wealth have put pressure on our natural resources providing us with food, feed, fuel and general well-being. Now, more than ever we need to find viable ways to provide for our changing needs and those of future generations. That’s where we come in. With over 200 processing plants on five continents and sales and distribution offices throughout the world, Darling Ingredients serves the agri-food industry and reduce food waste by collecting and repurposing animal-based co-products and other natural materials that would otherwise be discarded. We convert these into unique and valuable ingredients that fit market demands. This way we connect global supply and demand and contribute to a circular economy.
