The posting
Job Summary
The Manufacturing Engineer oversees key operational improvement and optimization initiatives for Safariland armor manufacturing. This role provides technical support to manufacturing departments, implements process improvements, supports automation initiatives, and develops strategies to improve efficiency, delivery, safety, quality, throughput, and cost performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Work with Focus Factory Manager(s) to achieve optimal levels of efficiency, delivery, and quality performance. Participate in cost reduction initiatives for Safariland Duty Gear manufacturing. Lead or support continuous improvement and change control projects. Support design-for-manufacturing initiatives and production process improvements. Prepare documentation, analysis, project status updates, test results, and ISO documentation. Perform root cause analysis and implement effective countermeasures. Conduct time studies for new and existing products. Use SolidWorks and DraftSight for computer-aided design and drafting activities. Complete value stream maps, recommend improvement strategies, and support implementation. Collaborate with the Duty Gear Team to drive lean manufacturing, optimization, and continuous improvement. Apply Lean Six Sigma and 5S methods to manage process and quality improvement activities. Research, justify, recommend, and implement automation processes and equipment within manufacturing facilities. Identify and implement automation opportunities including robotics, collaborative robots, vision systems, material handling, fixtures, sensors, and machine controls. Partner with Maintenance, Operations, Quality, EHS, IT, vendors, and system integrators to scope, install, validate, troubleshoot, and sustain automated equipment. Identify & implement automation projects including user requirements, equipment specifications, FAT/SAT, commissioning, training, change control, and post-launch performance tracking. Analyze automation performance data, downtime, OEE, cycle time, scrap, and quality metrics to drive continuous improvement.
Key Skills
Manufacturing process improvement and production optimization Automation project identification, ROI justification, and implementation Robotics, collaborative robots, machine vision, sensors, and automated material handling PLC-controlled equipment, HMI interfaces, industrial controls, and troubleshooting Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis Equipment specification, commissioning, validation, and production ramp-up Cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT, vendors, and integrators
Required Experience
Two (2) to five (5) years of related manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or automation project experience. Working knowledge of manufacturing automation including cobot implementation, robotics, machine guarding, sensors, vision systems, and automated material handling. Experience supporting automation equipment selection, ROI justification, vendor coordination, commissioning, operator training, and production ramp-up. Basic understanding of PLC-controlled equipment, HMI interfaces, industrial controls, electrical schematics, and automated manufacturing troubleshooting. Experience working with hydraulics, pneumatics and electrical. High proficiency using SolidWorks required
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on experience with PLC/HMI platforms, manufacturing data collection systems, robotics programming, machine vision, or automation system integration. Bachelor’s degree required; industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related technical degree preferred. Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification preferred. Oversee justification, planning, and execution of capital projects, ensuring alignment with budgets and schedules. Demonstrated experience managing capital equipment projects and facility layout initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methods. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interface across Supply Chain, Inventory, Planning, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT, vendors, and integrators. Working knowledge of automation controls, PLCs, HMIs, robotics, cobots, machine vision, sensors, safety circuits, guarding, and industrial networking concepts. Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, process flow diagrams, equipment manuals, and automation documentation. Ability to develop equipment specifications, process requirements, standard work, training materials, risk assessments, and validation documentation for automated systems. Strong troubleshooting skills for automated manufacturing equipment, including downtime, cycle time, quality, and repeatability issues. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Familiarity with MRP (Microsoft D365), ISO systems, and manufacturing data collection systems. Strong analytical, planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Comfortable working in a high-tempo manufacturing environment with shifting priorities.
Physical Demands
Standing, walking, sitting, lift min of 40 pounds, and use of manual and powered equipment as required.
Safety Requirements
Follow general safety guidelines and all safety requirements specific to assigned duties.
Work Environment
Manufacturing work environment; indoor, climate-controlled setting.
