Manufacturing Process Engineer
Description
If you are looking for a company where you can grow and develop alongside respectfully collaborative teams, join us at Oliver Packaging and Equipment Company. With a history dating back to 1890, we offer the stability of a well-established organization and the support of colleagues who truly value one another. In addition to competitive base pay, we provide a generous benefits package, including a bonus plan, a 5% 401(k) match, 15 days of paid time off, and 10 paid holidays in your first year (pro-rated in year one).
Our culture is built on teamwork and a shared commitment to creating and delivering packaging and equipment solutions around the globe. You’ll see your work make a real impact—in places like Walmart and Panera Bread, in schools providing meals to children, through programs like Meals on Wheels supporting seniors, and in hospitals helping patients in recovery.
If you want your work to matter and to be part of a supportive team with a strong foundation and long-term vision, this is the opportunity for you.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Location: On-site in Walker, MI
The Manufacturing Process Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, efficiency, productivity, and cost effectiveness across production operations. This position provides hands-on technical support through CNC programming, tooling and fixture design, process development, equipment and plant layout, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Manufacturing Process Engineer programs CNC equipment, including 3-axis mills, flatbed fiber laser cutting equipment, and lathes, and partners cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, and Quality to resolve manufacturing challenges and implement sustainable process improvements. This position applies Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies to reduce cycle times, eliminate waste, improve product quality, and optimize the use of labor, equipment, and manufacturing space.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, methods, and workflows to improve safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
- Develop workholding, tooling, and fixture designs for machining, welding, assembly, and other manufacturing operations.
- Develop, maintain, and optimize CNC programs for equipment including 3-axis mills, flatbed fiber laser cutting equipment, and lathes.
- Utilize CNC programming software, including Mastercam, SigmaNEST, or comparable software, to support manufacturing operations.
- Create designs, 3D models, manufacturing documentation, and plant layouts using Solid Edge or comparable CAD software.
- Read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, specifications, technical documentation, and work instructions in support of manufacturing operations.
- Apply Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to identify and implement opportunities for waste reduction, cycle-time improvement, increased throughput, and cost savings.
- Analyze manufacturing processes, production data, and performance metrics to identify trends, constraints, and opportunities for improvement.
- Lead and participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to process deviations, defects, quality concerns, and manufacturing issues using structured problem-solving tools such as PDCA, Fishbone Diagrams, and 5 Whys.
- Evaluate workforce utilization, equipment placement, space requirements, material flow, and production workflows to optimize manufacturing layouts and operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional partners to resolve manufacturing challenges and implement process improvements.
- Support the introduction and implementation of new equipment, technology, products, and manufacturing processes into production.
- Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting related to manufacturing processes, CNC programming, tooling, equipment, and process performance.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, CNC programs, drawings, layouts, and other manufacturing documentation.
- Train and support employees on new or revised manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and work methods as appropriate.
- Maintain awareness of emerging manufacturing technologies, machining practices, automation opportunities, and industry best practices applicable to the organization's manufacturing operations.
- Maintain a safe working environment and follow established safety policies, procedures, and requirements while working around manufacturing equipment and machinery.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical discipline required.
- Additional technical training or certification in machine tool technology, CNC programming, numerically controlled programming, or a related discipline is preferred.
- Three (3) or more years of relevant manufacturing, machining, CNC programming, manufacturing engineering, or process engineering experience preferred.
- Demonstrated experience programming CNC manufacturing equipment.
- Experience with Mastercam, SigmaNEST, or comparable CNC programming software preferred.
- Experience with Solid Edge, SolidWorks, or comparable 2D/3D CAD software preferred.
- Experience applying Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving methodologies in a manufacturing environment preferred.
- Experience with additive manufacturing (3D printing) preferred.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining practices, tooling, fixturing, and production workflows.
- Proficiency in CNC programming and the ability to troubleshoot manufacturing process and programming issues.
- Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, layouts, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions.
- Ability to analyze manufacturing data and translate findings into practical process improvements.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail with a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
- Ability and willingness to train and provide technical guidance to others.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners.
Working Conditions:
This position operates in both a professional office environment and a controlled manufacturing environment. The role requires regular interaction with production operations, manufacturing equipment, and employees on the production floor. The employee must be able to work safely around manufacturing equipment, machinery, materials, noise, and other conditions typically associated with a manufacturing environment. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.
Travel:
Up to 10% travel may be required based on business needs, primarily to support customer equipment installations and attend industry trade shows.