Manufacturing Engineer III

Your tasks Seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer who will oversee the tooling and stamping processes, lead Engineering Change (EC) activities, assist with tooling repair/routine maintenance activities and optimize stamping processes and production. This role combines tooling oversight with process engineering, layout optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to improve quality, throughput, and cost in a stamping environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Tool & Die Oversight Work with suppliers and in house Tool & Die to design, develop, and modify stamping dies (punch, blanking, progressive dies) and related tooling to meet product specifications and production needs. Select materials, tooling components, and coatings; supervise tool build, assembly, and tryout; verify die performance through initial production runs. Create and maintain tooling documentation, bill of material, drawings, and die life tracking. Troubleshoot tooling failures, wear patterns, and defects; coordinate with vendors for repairs and refurbishments as well as in-house Tool & Die team. Engineering Change (EC) Management Own the end-to-end EC process for tooling, dies, and related stamping processes; evaluate engineering changes for feasibility, impact, and cost. Prepare ECs, routings, and bills of materials; obtain approvals from cross-functional teams; implement changes on the floor with minimal disruption. Communicate EC status, risks, and validation results to Design, Production, and Quality teams; update documentation and ERP records accordingly. Validate changes through first article runs, process verification, and quality checks; ensure traceability and compliance with customer requirements. Punch Press Process Management Plan and optimize stamping processes, including die setup, press selection, feeding systems, lubrication, and scrap handling. Develop and implement standard work for press operations; optimize changeover times (SMED) and reduce downtime. Monitor process performance (throughput, defect rates, tool life, downtime) and drive improvements to achieve capacity and quality targets. Troubleshoot stamping defects (e.g., burrs, slivers, dimensional issues) and implement corrective actions in tooling, process parameters, or fixturing. Layout and Process Flow Optimization Analyze and redesign plant floor layouts for stamping cells, die storage to maximize throughput and reduce material handling. Create and maintain efficient work cells and material flow diagrams; implement 5S and visual controls. Collaborate with production, planning, and facilities to ensure safe, efficient, and scalable layouts. Quality, Safety, and Compliance Develop and contribute to PFMEA, control plans, SPC, and standard work for stamping processes. Ensure tooling and processes comply with quality specifications, customer requirements, and safety standards (OSHA or regional equivalents). Support internal and external audits by providing tooling and process documentation and evidence of EC implementation. Continuous Improvement and Collaboration Lead or participate in cross-functional improvement projects to reduce scrap, improve first-pass yield, and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Collaborate with Design, Purchasing, Quality, and Production to align tooling, processes, and ECs with product design intent and cost targets. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Tool life and MTB(Mean Time Between Failure); downtime due to tooling. On-time EC implementation and validation success rate. Changeover time reductions and standard work adherence. Scrapped material and first-pass yield improvements. OEE and throughput improvements in stamping lines. Compliance with safety and quality documentation; audit findings.

Physical and Work Environment:

Workplace:

Primarily manufacturing floor with exposure to noise, lubricants, and metal chips; may require use of PPE (glasses, gloves, arm guards, hearing protection).

Physical requirements:

Ability to stand for extended periods, lift moderate weights, and access tooling and equipment in various locations around the plant.

Travel:

Occasional travel to supplier sites or other company facilities as needed. Your profile

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

8+ years in tool and die design/maintenance and stamping processes; demonstrated experience with ECs and change management in a manufacturing environment.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and CAM/CAE tools; experience with EDM (wire and sinker), CNC, and related tooling manufacturing processes. Strong understanding of stamping die design, die wear analysis, press selection, and fixture design. Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stacks, and dimensional inspection methods. Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems for BOMs, routings, and EC records. Experience with lean manufacturing tools (SMED, 5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping) and quality tools (PFMEA, SPC).

Soft Skills:

Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and project management abilities. Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present to cross-functional teams and operators. Collaboration and leadership skills; ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and manage multiple tasks concurrently.