Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Manufacturing Engineer Location:
Hurlock, MD Work Type:
Full-Time | On-Site About the Opportunity We are seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Engineer to play a critical role in scaling and optimizing a rapidly growing production and distribution operation. This position offers the opportunity to directly influence manufacturing strategy, facility performance, automation initiatives, and operational excellence across a multi-site network. Reporting to executive leadership and partnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Product Development, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance teams, the Manufacturing Engineer will lead process improvement initiatives focused on increasing throughput, reducing costs, improving quality, and supporting long-term operational scalability. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, and is passionate about applying data, automation, and Lean principles to drive measurable business results. Position Summary The Manufacturing Engineer will evaluate, design, and improve manufacturing, packaging, fulfillment, and distribution processes. This individual will identify opportunities to eliminate waste, improve workflow efficiency, optimize labor utilization, increase equipment effectiveness, and support the implementation of automation technologies. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with hands-on operational experience and the ability to translate manufacturing data into practical, scalable solutions. Key Responsibilities Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement Analyze production, packaging, and distribution processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities. Conduct workflow studies to evaluate cycle times, labor utilization, material flow, equipment performance, and production costs. Design and implement future-state processes that improve throughput, quality, safety, and operational efficiency. Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and Root Cause Analysis initiatives. Develop sustainable solutions that support facility growth and increased production capacity. Manufacturing Systems & Operational Analytics Establish and maintain key operational performance metrics, including: Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Throughput Yield Scrap and Waste Reduction Labor Productivity Cost per Unit On-Time Fulfillment Performance Develop dashboards, reporting tools, and KPI frameworks using business intelligence and analytics platforms. Utilize statistical analysis and process data to drive operational decision-making. Support capacity planning, demand forecasting, and production modeling initiatives. Automation & Capital Projects Evaluate and implement automation technologies, robotics, material handling systems, and process improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure products, packaging, and equipment are optimized for manufacturability and scalability. Develop business cases and ROI analyses for capital projects. Create equipment specifications, manage vendors, oversee installations, and validate system performance. Support facility expansions, equipment upgrades, and modernization initiatives. Digital Transformation & Data Integration Improve manufacturing intelligence through integration of ERP, MES, WMS, and production systems. Develop digital workflows that reduce manual data entry and improve operational accuracy. Partner with IT and Operations teams to enhance system connectivity and real-time performance monitoring. Support technology-driven solutions that improve efficiency and decision-making. Cross-Functional Leadership Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Packaging, Product Development, and Finance teams to implement improvements. Develop and maintain SOPs, process documentation, and training materials. Lead change management initiatives and support successful adoption of new technologies and processes. Present project results, performance metrics, and recommendations to leadership. Innovation & Strategic Improvement Monitor industry trends, automation advancements, and manufacturing best practices. Identify opportunities to improve operational performance through innovative technologies and process enhancements. Lead pilot programs and strategic improvement initiatives. Track and communicate project ROI, including cost savings, productivity improvements, quality gains, and service-level enhancements. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field. Minimum 4 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, Operations Improvement, or Continuous Improvement roles. Demonstrated success improving productivity, quality, throughput, cost reduction, and operational performance. Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and continuous improvement methodologies. Experience with workflow analysis, time studies, line balancing, capacity planning, and process optimization. Proficiency with Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or similar reporting and analytics tools. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. Preferred Qualifications Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification. PMP or other project management certification.
Experience in:
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Food & Beverage Manufacturing Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Medical Device Manufacturing Packaging Operations Logistics & Distribution Agricultural Processing High-Volume Manufacturing Environments Experience with automation systems, robotics integration, PLCs, SCADA systems, and material handling equipment. Proficiency with AutoCAD, Visio, or facility layout software. Experience supporting facility expansions, operational scale-ups, or manufacturing transformation projects. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who is equally comfortable on the production floor and working with operational data and analytics. They possess a strong continuous improvement mindset, enjoy solving complex operational challenges, and have a proven ability to implement practical solutions that improve business performance. This individual thrives in dynamic, high-growth environments where adaptability, ownership, and cross-functional collaboration are critical to success. Additional Requirements Must be at least 21 years of age. Ability to travel periodically to support operational initiatives and project execution. Ability to work additional hours as business needs require. Ability to spend extended periods working at a computer and within manufacturing environments. Must comply with all applicable company policies, regulatory requirements, and workplace safety standards. Benefits Medical insurance with employer contribution. Optional dental and vision coverage. 401(k) program available following eligibility requirements. Opportunity to work on high-impact engineering projects with direct visibility to executive leadership. Career growth within a rapidly expanding and innovation-focused manufacturing organization.
