Manufacturing Engineer
Minneapolis, MN | Direct-Hire | $90,000 – $110,000 + Bonus | 100% Onsite

Konik is partnering with a local manufacturing client who is looking to add a Manufacturing Engineer to their team. This role is responsible for process development, tooling, and fixture design, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective production while driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer will lead manufacturing trials, troubleshooting efforts, and capital improvements to enhance the performance and efficiency of extrusion lines.

Manufacturing Engineer Responsibilities:

Extrusion Line & Project Management:

• Oversee and coordinate the end-to-end operations of extrusion lines, including startup, shutdown, and changeovers.
• Supervise daily activities in the extrusion area, ensuring production targets are met while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Implement preventive maintenance programs to sustain extrusion tooling and equipment reliability.
• Analyze and adjust line speeds, raw material requirements, and production schedules for optimal performance.
• Evaluate work orders and engineering specifications to determine material selection, machine settings, and tooling requirements.
• Lead process development projects, managing resources, milestones, and implementation strategies to enhance extrusion capabilities.
• Partner with vendors and suppliers to design and procure custom tooling, fixtures, and equipment that support manufacturing objectives.
• Conduct feasibility studies and data-driven analysis to assess process modifications and line upgrades.
• Serve as a liaison between Engineering, Product Development, and Operations to ensure alignment on technical requirements and production goals.

Process Improvement & Optimization:

• Develop and implement lean manufacturing principles to drive efficiency, minimize waste, and improve throughput.
• Analyze production performance metrics, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Design and implement automated controls, PLC programming, and advanced extrusion techniques to enhance process stability.
• Conduct process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) to ensure consistency and compliance with industry regulations.
• Utilize statistical process control (SPC) methods to monitor, measure, and improve product quality.
• Establish standardized work instructions, safety procedures, and quality control measures to ensure compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
• Lead engineering change orders (ECOs) to document and implement manufacturing process updates.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by experimenting with new materials, extrusion dies, and processing conditions to enhance product durability and performance.

Extrusion Production Support & Quality Assurance:

• Adjust machine parameters, including temperature, pressure, speed, and material feed rates, to optimize extrusion output.
• Monitor production processes, using gauges, sensors, and visual inspections to detect abnormalities or deviations from specifications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment failures, material inconsistencies, and operational inefficiencies.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) to address defects, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and safety protocols.
• Maintain traceability of raw materials and finished products, ensuring quality standards are consistently met.
• Train and mentor production personnel on best practices for machine setup, operation, and maintenance.
• Ability to interpret and create technical drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing documentation.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Manufacturing Engineer Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or polymer extrusion.
• Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) programming and process automation.
• Hands-on experience with extrusion machinery setup, process troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), statistical process control (SPC), and design of experiments (DOE).
• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and documentation tools such as Excel, Power BI, and Minitab.
• Familiarity with engineering software for CAD modeling, process simulations, and equipment design.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401k + Match
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

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Konik is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other protected class status.

Konik has been creating impactful relationships between technical talent and employers for more than 50 years. Konik has specialized in placing professional, qualified personnel in Minnesota and western Wisconsin businesses since its inception, and maintains a strong commitment to customer service.