Manufacturing Engineer II

Description Ascentec Engineering is hiring a Manufacturing Engineer II to serve as an experienced technical contributor responsible for independently managing manufacturing processes, leading moderate-complexity NPI projects, and providing technical guidance to junior engineers. This role demonstrates proven capability in process optimization, cost reduction initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration while developing toward advanced technical leadership and strategic process development. The position requires solid hands-on machining knowledge, the ability to analyze engineering drawings for manufacturability, and demonstrated competence in project management. This position is on-site (not remote/not hybrid) at our Tualatin headquarters and is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship. Requirements

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

MANUFACTURING

PROCESS OWNERSHIP & OPTIMIZATION

Process Development & Refinement:

Independently develop and implement manufacturing processes for moderate-complexity components and assemblies Lead NPI projects from concept through full production transition with minimal oversight Optimize existing processes to improve cycle time, yield, and cost-effectiveness Design and validate manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and work-holding solutions Conduct time studies and establish standard work documentation for production operations

Advanced Problem-Solving:

Lead root cause analysis investigations for quality escapes and process failures Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with measurable effectiveness Apply statistical methods (DOE, capability studies) to optimize process parameters Troubleshoot complex machining issues involving multi-axis operations, tight tolerances, and difficult materials Identify and eliminate sources of variation in manufacturing processes

Technical Documentation:

Create comprehensive work instructions, process maps, and control plans Develop and maintain process FMEA documentation Establish process validation protocols and acceptance criteria Document lessons learned and contribute to knowledge base development

MANUFACTURING COST MANAGEMENT & VALUE ENGINEERING

Cost Estimation & Analysis:

Develop detailed manufacturing cost estimates for new products and process changes Conduct make-vs-buy analysis with supporting financial justification Identify cost reduction opportunities through process improvement and design optimization Track and report cost savings achieved through engineering initiative

Value Engineering Leadership:

Collaborate with design engineering to optimize product manufacturability Propose alternative materials, processes, or manufacturing approaches to reduce costs Evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies for potential cost or quality benefits Balance cost objectives with quality, delivery, and performance requirements

TECHNICAL MENTORSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT

Peer & Junior Engineer Support:

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Manufacturing Engineer I team members Review and approve work instructions and process documentation prepared by junior engineers Serve as subject matter expert for specific manufacturing processes or technologies Lead knowledge-sharing sessions on advanced manufacturing techniques

Training Development:

Develop and deliver training materials for production personnel on new processes Create visual aids, training videos, and quick-reference guides Assess training effectiveness and implement improvements

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP NPI

Project Leadership:

Manage NPI projects involving 3-5 concurrent work streams with interdependencies Develop project plans with clear milestones, resource requirements, and success criteria Coordinate cross-functional activities across engineering, quality, supply chain, and production Proactively identify and mitigate project risks Report project status to stakeholders with data-driven analysis

Stakeholder Management:

Interface with suppliers on technical process development and problem resolution Support customer technical reviews and process qualification activities (with PM coordination) Collaborate with quality engineering on inspection methods and acceptance criteria Partner with production supervision to implement process improvements

QUALITY SYSTEMS & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Quality System Contribution:

Participate in internal and external quality audits as process owner Lead closure of audit findings related to manufacturing processes Ensure processes comply with ISO9001, AS9100, and customer-specific requirements Maintain process validation and control documentation per quality system requirements

Advanced Quality Tools:

Apply SPC techniques to monitor process capability and stability Conduct measurement system analysis (GR&R) studies Implement poka-yoke (error-proofing) solutions Develop process control plans with appropriate reaction plans

Continuous Improvement Leadership:

Lead Lean Six Sigma projects targeting specific operational metrics Facilitate kaizen events and value stream mapping activities Implement 5S workplace organization initiatives Track and report improvement project results with validated savings

JOB QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Industrial Engineering 3-5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in precision machining environment Demonstrated experience leading NPI projects from design through production Experience with CNC programming, setup, troubleshooting, and process optimization

Technical Expertise:

Intermediate to

Advanced Machining Knowledge:

Solid understanding of CNC machining operations, multi-axis programming, tooling selection, feeds/speeds optimization, and setup procedures

Manufacturing Cost Estimation:

Ability to analyze engineering drawings and develop accurate manufacturing cost estimates with cycle time analysis

ERP Systems:

Experience with Epicor ERP or similar manufacturing systems for process planning, costing, and project management

Quality Systems Knowledge:

Familiarity with ISO9001 and AS9100 standards, statistical process control, and CAPA methodologies

Process Improvement:

Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt certification preferred)

Leadership & Communication:

Proven ability to manage multiple projects independently with minimal supervision Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with structured approach to root cause analysis Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development Effective collaboration skills with cross-functional teams including design, quality, and production

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Self-starter / Self-motivated / Flexible / Detail oriented Reliable and dependable Positive customer-focused attitude Enjoy fast-paced and rapidly changing environment Honest with good integrity Professional demeanor and respectful to people in all situations Flexible and willing to help others as needs and tasks change often Team player

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires significant time on the production floor conducting process analysis, troubleshooting, and team collaboration Office-based work for project management, cost analysis, documentation, and meetings Occasional travel to supplier facilities or customer sites (