Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Manufacturing Engineer
A manufacturing engineer works in a manufacturing environment to improve the way they make their products. They look at the entire process of production and design systems to optimize each step of the process. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Manufacturing Engineers.
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Main Responsibilities of Manufacturing Engineer
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Manufacturing Engineer:
Analyze
Analyze a problem from multiple perspectives and explore creative solutions.
Analyze complex problems requiring advanced process improvement and statistical tools.
Analyze costs of production.
Analyze possible solutions using technical / functional experience and judgment and precedents.
Apply
Apply Lean concepts to reduce waste and maximize efficiency.
Apply expanded conceptual knowledge in own discipline and broadens capabilities.
Apply tools such as CAD, Six Sigma, and lean principles.
Assess
Assess joining feasibility through Global Product Development System milestones.
Assess Manufacturing Readiness Level of products.
Assess processes, take measurements, and interpret data.
Assist in
Assist as needed with the current Preventive Maintenance Program records.
Assist design and development projects by training and guiding manufacturing personnel.
Assist Disposition of Returned Material Requests (RMR) and Corrective Action Requests (CAR).
Assist in installation of new products, tooling and related processes.
Assist in production process improvement as required.
Assist in the creation of PFMEA, Control Plans, and other APQP / Stage Gate related tasks.
Assist in the development of robotic welding.
Assist in the training of new employees and trainees.
Assist in tracking of unit regulatory compliance.
Assist in transitioning R& D processes into a full scale manufacturing environment.
Assist on capital project planning and implementation.
Assist Project Manager with required project planning, project controls, and procurement work.
Assist purchasing and quality Assurance in qualifying suppliers for new product or product changes.
Assist Purchasing and Quality Assurance in the qualification of suppliers and subcontractors.
Assist team on TPM program deployment.
Assist the establishment of new product production line.
Assist with assuring tools, equipment, and processes comply with OSHA and EPA standards.
Assist with manufacturing cost analysis and improvements with our suppliers.
Assist with production planning, tracking, and closing.
Assist with transferring the product and process information from existing systems into SAP.
Assure
Assure all documentation is archived and maintained in accordance with standard practice.
Assure highest quality, least costly manufacturing processes.
Assure product and process quality by designing error proof mechanisms.
Attend
Attend and provide responses to daily cell standup meetings.
Build
Build lessons learnt back into the programme.
Build productive internal / external working relationships.
Coach
Coach and review the work of lower level specialists.
Coach, mentor, and provide guidance to other engineers and technicians.
Coach the team on the development and delivery of effective training materials for production staff.
Collaborate with
Collaborate in equipment purchases, installations or transfers.
Collaborate with all levels of engineering and drafting staff in the development of new ideas.
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams through the NPI stage gate process .
Collaborate with other engineers, contractors and suppliers.
Collect
Collect preliminary and final tooling estimates.
Communicate
Communicate and explain problems and solutions cross-functionally and inter-departmentally.
Communicate the project status to stakeholders and upper management.
Communicate with customers throughout entire quoting and manufacturing process.
Complete
Complete complex assignments and provides work directions.
Complete data analysis and presentation of the data.
Complete process failure mode and analysis (PFMEA).
Complete process validation for new equipment.
Complete required training on time.
Conduct
Conduct detailed design work focused on the layout of assembly and materials handling operations.
Conduct DOE studies for process optimization and root cause analysis efforts.
Conduct meetings regarding Plant Project Status, individual MOCs and projects, and others as needed.
Conduct or directs assigned personnel in conducting experiments and / or tests.
Conduct processes development and process improvement activities.
Conduct Process FMEAs and Process Validations.
Conduct regular continuous improvement meetings with multiple departments.
Conduct regular project reviews to assure accomplishment of key results.
Conduct reliability studies of processes used.
Conduct site inspections, measurements and approvals.
Conduct, Statistical Process Control and other statistical methods applicable to manufacturing.
Contribute
Contribute to the completion of routine tasks.
Coordinate
Coordinate all process validation activities with Quality- IQ / OQ / PQ.
Coordinate and executes tasks in technology development projects.
Coordinate and implement new engineering principles, theories, advanced technologies and concepts.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to complete EUMDR Technical File revisions.
Coordinate efforts with Supplier Quality Engineer.
Coordinate equipment maintenance with external vendors and service contractors.
Coordinate manufacturing activities for new product development and other projects.
Coordinate manufacturing input that will cross multiple teams.
Coordinate projects to meet time schedules.
Coordinate prototype and production runs through new program launches.
Coordinate SME support, as required.
Coordinate the activities related to new ZFIN s implementation.
Coordinate the progress of actions within the management of your project.
Coordinate the relationship with our suppliers.
Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing and assembly staff to resolve DFM and DFA issues.
Create
Create and conduct Management of Change (MOC) and Notification of Change (NOC) when necessary.
Create and maintain all process documentation facility wide.
Create and sustain a successful culture of continuous improvement for the entire facility.
Create, control and distribute engineering change orders and maintain revision control.
Create detailed Work Instructions and Product Criteria Instructions.
Create plans, schedules, and timelines to manage NPI launch and transition to production.
Create project plans and timelines to manage new and existing manufacturing projects.
Create, share and maintain best practices with other Masonite Residential sites.
Create training / work instructions to aid the manufacturing technicians.
Create work instructions and confirm with time studies.
Define
Define and agree layout and infrastructure for product lines.
Define and document best practice build techniques and document SOP's.
Define criteria for best assembly approach.
Define manufacturing standard working methods.
Design
Design and analyze tooling for machining and assembly.
Design and fabricate tooling used during the pre-bond and bonding processes.
Design and implement jigs and fixtures for both robotic and hand assembly.
Design and implement processes for production time studies.
Design and manufacture of tooling and fixtures for machining and measuring.
Design and recommend machining and assembly, tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
Design automated testers to aid the manufacturing processes.
Design / build any required mechanical and electrical systems.
Design Controls and experience with FDA QSR 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485.
Design / fabricate or select tooling, automation, test equipment for production.
Design machining and assembly fixtures, tooling, gages, etc..
Design manufacturing processes on swiss turning machine.
Design operations layouts to improve material flow and material presentation.
Design the system integration line layout and equip the line with required tooling and fixtures.
Design Verification and Validation.
Determine
Determine and implement capital improvement projects.
Determine parts, tools, and gaging needed to achieve manufacturing goals.
Develop
Develop, analyse and report on manufacturing metrics related to the catheter products.
Develop and author Master Batch Records in partnership with MSAT and QA.
Develop and deliver clear training materials for production staff.
Develop and executes validation protocols.
Develop and execute training materials for new processes and equipment.
Develop and execute validations and verifications on products and subsystems.
Develop and extend measures to drive improvements in customisation processes.
Develop and implement Mfg.
Develop and implement strategies to deliver cost-effective solutions.
Develop and lead projects to improve process monitoring, quality and reduce costs.
Develop and maintain company standards for the welding process.
Develop and maintain effective working relationship with other departments.
Develop and maintain engineered time standards.
Develop and maintain the NC groups archival and documentation resources.
Develop and refine assembly methodologies for process repeatability and robustness.
Develop and test new processes and technologies through creating a plan and executing.
Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures as necessary.
Develop economics and Authorization for Expenditures (AFE) for facility capital projects.
Develop engineering solutions for repetitive equipment / process failures.
Develop equipment specifications and technical requirements for purchased equipment.
Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods driving on quality, cost and yield improvement.
Develop, implement and maintain an effective Preventive Maintenance Program.
Develop manufacturing processes for production runs, establish process & work instructions.
Develop objectives, project criteria and budgets.
Develop process and equipment specifications as needed.
Develop solutions to routine problems.
Develop Statistical Process Control Standards.
Develop technical expertise of group in order to effectively support manufacturing operations.
Develop test plans, test scripts to meet production testing requirements.
Develop the tools, processes, and technology to assist plant function.
Direct
Direct, plan, and coordinate manufacturing processes.
Document
Document cost saving improvements for monthly review with senior management.
Document joining-related lessons learned.
Document product-related issues / enhancement opportunities.
Drive
Drive continuous improvement in lean manufacturing operations.
Drive projects for implementing preventative maintenance processes for equipment in assembly and SMT.
Drive capital management requirements to the plant level across the GBU.
Drive continuous improvement in a lean manufacturing environment.
Drive cost reduction programs.
Drive the efficient hand off of Uhnder Radar Sensors from prototype stage to ODM or CM's.
Enable
Enable integration with the Manufacturing, Operations and Quality Manager.
Encourage
Encourage customer incorporation of recommendations.
Engage
Engage with the Tooling design group to implement production improving devices.
Ensure
Ensure all engineering activity is in full compliance with applicable.
Ensure IATF 16949 Documentation, Managing Audits, take corrective and preventive actions.
Ensure MSDS and required supporting information is provided to Environmental Health and Safety team.
Ensure new products are introduced on schedule in a safe and efficient environment.
Ensure production support.
Ensure product manufacturing requirements clearly understood by manufacturing partners.
Ensure the engineering team and other manufacturing departments work together cohesively.
Enter
Enter warranty claims / returns into log.
Establish
Establish defined work instructions.
Establish priorities of work assignments.
Establish processes to improve yields and equipment through availability, performance, and quality.
Establish & verify manning and capacity needs for all products and all manufacturing areas.
Evaluate
Evaluate capital equipment investments and justify them.
Evaluate causes of manufacturing process problems and assist in resolving such problems.
Evaluate inspection findings for returned goods and provide disposition recommendations.
Evaluate new materials and supplies in use based on project scope.
Evaluate production processes, analyze efficiencies and develop improvements to drive productivity.
Evaluate manufacturing processes through investigations of issues.
Evaluate the finantial , process or quality impact, derived from product & process changes.
Execute
Execute the WI training and technical training to manufacturing team.
Execute WI training and technical training to manufacturing team.
Generate
Generate CR's to address changes to processes and design.
Generate documents for drawings of custom test fixtures.
Generate warranty tracking reports / charts.
Help
Help lead and coach problem solving events, including IER's, A3's and Kaizen events.
Help resolve Global Manufacturing Requirement (GMR) open issues.
Identify
Identify appropriate corrective actions for quality issues and produce reports.
Identify, lead and implement data-driven quality, manufacturing, and cost improvement projects.
Identify opportunities to improve current equipment or create new equipment and work with R&D or.
Identify production issues requiring product change and submit change requests, as needed.
Identify variables and root causes.
Implement
Implement cost reduction or cost avoidance by working closely with manufacturing.
Implement cycle time reduction projects.
Implement, document, and maintain controlled, repeatable production processes.
Implement improvements when identified, tested, and proven.
Implement of safe working methods to improve production.
Implement capital and non-capital projects.
Implement engineering activities for project.
Implement large cost reduction programs.
Implement Manufacturing Procedures per customer specifications ECN-Engineering Change Notices.
Implement or assesses designs and verifies parts or components for low complexity solutions.
Improve
Improve production methods, determines manufacturing capacity, and sets up production schedules.
Improve upon these skills through regular participation in appropriate activities.
Incorporate
Incorporate inspection and test requirements into production.
Initiate
Initiate and works to resolve Quality Incidents and CAPA.
Inspect
Inspect materials, products, and equipment to detect defects or malfunctions.
Integrate
Integrate disparate systems (e.g. equipment handling, transport).
Integrate PLC's, robots, and related automation equipment.
Interact with / interface with
Interact closely with operations, process development, quality, and regulatory affairs.
Interact with outside vendors and companies as necessary based on project scope.
Interact with Hardware, Systems, Optics and Software Engineers to resolve manufacturing issues.
Interface with other departments to participate in specification, design and test reviews.
Interface with Quality and Engineering Departments to resolve manufacturing production issues.
Interface with contract manufacturers and suppliers.
Interpret
Interpret some system models of error, sensitivity, or throughput budgets.
Investigate
Investigate and resolve existing process or equipment operating, reliability, and yield issues.
Investigate production problems to determine causes and to recommend corrective actions.
Investigate, coordinate and complete engineering change requests with appropriate groups.
Investigate service part returns and disposition quarantine reports.
Investigate, gather and analyze data and implement solutions.
Keep
Keep equipment operational by coordinating maintenance and repair services.
Keep workers, supervisors and the Safety Officer informed often.
Launch
Launch and mass production; and solve problems efficiently to maintain project timing.
Launch joining tooling and new technologies with >99% effectiveness.
Lead
Lead 5S and continuous improvement projects.
Lead 5S implementation project in manufacturing.
Lead actions required and execution of short- and long-term action plans for CAPA.
Lead analysis, development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and technology.
Lead and justify capital projects that lead to improvements of our key metrics.
Lead and support continuous improvement / LEAN manufacturing initiatives and projects.
Lead Lean Six Sigma projects.
Lead process improvement initiatives via WSBM teams.
Lead projects for new manufacturing processes or technologies.
Lead review and approval of changes associated with ECO's and deviations.
Lead rework versus scrap decisions, as needed by operations.
Lead the engineering assessment.
Lead team studies related to capacity, energy, productivity and efficiency of moderate scope.
Lead to analysis customer complaint and DEFOA, MOA, WOA, DOA.
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Liaise
Liaise with Product Management to drive customisation activities into the advocated arena.
Locate
Locate molds, define information available and when required reverse engineering the molds.
Maintain
Maintain a clean and safe working environment (i.e., 6S).
Maintain an adequate spare parts inventory.
Maintain and enforce high quality standards.
Maintain and update the Method of Manufacture in line with best industry standards.
Maintain awareness and complies with all environmental management requirements.
Maintain Equipment documentation as required for proper maintenance.
Maintain manufacturing systems such as SAP routers and BOM s current.
Maintain press and assembly equipment GAP reports.
Maintain Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) documents.
Maintain product and company reputation by complying with government regulations.
Maintain records and reporting systems for coordination of manufacturing operations.
Make
Make decisions that take customer interests into account.
Make judgments regarding quality of implementation within discipline.
Make recommendations for improving safety, quality, or productivity activities.
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Manage
Manage department budget and related expenses.
Manage the company process steps to define Work instructions.
Manage duties of manufacturing technician, including workload and personal issues.
Manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
Manage new product launch into production.
Manage Six Sigma quality programs within R&D.
Manage specifications for sub and final assemblies.
Manage projects to the established budget.
Manage specifications for sub and final assemblies.
Manage the install of new tools, fixtures, and equipment into the facility.
Mentor
Mentor and leads projects.
Mentor and develop manufacturing engineers.
Monitor
Monitor and consult on the development of process control points in mfg.
Monitor and evaluate project and department progress and results.
Monitor hardware quality trends and work with suppliers as needed to drive improvements.
Monitor LINAC data & trends to identify product and process improvement opportunities.
Monitor processes and make continuous improvement recommendations.
Monitor processes with production and introduces areas of improved efficiency where possible.
Monitor test progress to assure compliance to specified parameters.
Optimize
Optimize facility layouts, production lines and machine operations.
Oversee
Oversee Manufacturing Engineering support for the repair center, including tooling and procedures.
Oversee the daily activities of engineering, maintenance and production.
Oversee the technical scope and services provided by the Plant and Facilities Engineering activities.
Participate in
Participate and / or lead validation activities for design, process, or products.
Participate in Material Review Board meetings and disposition of non-conforming material.
Participate in new product launch meetings.
Participate in new-product-launch meetings.
Participate in PFMEA updates.
Participate in product verification audits.
Participate in research and development projects.
Participate in the acquisition of new equipment's.
Participate in the development of new manufacturing processes for composite structural parts.
Participate in the recruiting process or work with temporary agencies as needed.
Participate on cross-functional teams to support organizational goals.
Participate to the development of the knowledge transfer plan & training plan for the receiving site.
Perform
Perform all work in a safe manner demonstrating proper use of safety equipment at all time.
Perform complex assembly on engineering and prototype builds.
Perform equipment Installation Qualification (IQ) protocols.
Perform equipment setup and corrective, preventive and calibration maintenance as necessary.
Perform floor support to help with production issues and ways to resolve these issues.
Perform hands-on preventive and corrective maintenance tasks to ensure maximum production output.
Perform independent reviewer role for discipline area.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Perform other duties as required.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities, as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned by management.
Perform process simulations.
Perform risk analysis activities and develop product testing plans and protocols.
Perform time studies and maintain manufacturing Time Standards data.
Plan
Plan and coordinate the work of manufacturing engineers.
Prepare
Prepare and interpret CAD designs, drawings and specifications for machines and components.
Prepare Engineering Change Requests (ECR's) and assist in material and labour cost estimating.
Prepare planning documents.
Prepare all necessary paperwork, change requests and documentation for all projects undertaken.
Prepare cost estimates and submittals.
Prepare purchase orders for management approval.
Prepare workplace layouts for location of pallets, gauges, and tooling for efficiency and safety.
Prepare validation documents for processes, work instructions, and equipment.
Process
Process capability growth to ensure future fulfillment of customer demand.
Process cost analysis / modeling experience.
Process & Testing automation / Process Design / Methods VALIDATION.
Produce
Produce, modify, and maintain drawings.
Propose
Propose process control points in mfg.
Prove
Prove / assess / observe times for new operations.
Provide
Provide clear DFM / DFA design and process change recommendations.
Provide daily mechanical engineering support to production.
Provide Design for Manufacturing feed-back to Product Design Engineering team.
Provide DFA / DFM feedback to customers and post-build reports.
Provide documentation for processes and methods that support standardization.
Provide electrical line build support for all products and processes.
Provide engineering services to existing operations.
Provide failure analysis report as required.
Provide guidance to other engineers and technicians.
Provide input for improving product and process design.
Provide input on project activities.
Provide inputs for the departmental budget preparation.
Provide inputs to central team and maintain STS / TIS for the plant IECN Ethernet troubleshooting.
Provide leadership to all Manufacturing Engineering staff to ensure and promote personal growth.
Provide manufacturing engineering guidance and support.
Provide manufacturing support for new product introductions.
Provide prioritization & allocates engineering resources, according to business needs.
Provide process documentation (work instructions, box counts, operator training documents, etc.).
Provide regular, metric-based project updates to the management team.
Provide strong communication skills in diverse environments with multiple stakeholders.
Provide support for ECR implementation for the production team.
Provide Technical advice for processing and application techniques.
Provide technical expertise within specialisms (e.g. PCBs, composites, machining, cables).
Provide technical leadership to business units.
Provide training to factory technicians.
Recommend
Recommend and initiate modifications to optimize production conditions.
Record
Record inaccuracies found in manufacturing processes / data.
Resolve
Resolve conflicts to meet deadlines.
Resolve issues escalated from other positions or larger trends identified.
Resolve manufacturing issues efficiently.
Review
Review and approve the design of injection moulds and tools.
Review and modify Quality Documents as they relate to production.
Review distributor designs with tool and tool manufacturers.
Review RMA's and submit corrective actions.
Review the Incident Action Plan for safety implications.
Set
Set structure and fill roles for the Engineering group.
Share
Share and institutionalize best practices.
Solve
Solve complex problems and make sound design recommendations.
Specify
Specify and source process and / or test equipment to improve manufacturing.
Specify and implements manufacturing tooling and equipment.
Stay current with
Stay current with state-of-the art technologies and equipment.
Store
Store back-ups for all machine programs and robot programs.
Supervise
Supervise hourly associates to ensure production targets are met.
Supervise equipment relocation and installation.
Support
Support all cost savings initiatives.
Support all Manufacturing System Design (MSD) workshops.
Support audits with on-site customer.
Support commissioning and development of new plant, equipment and processes.
Support current automated manufacturing equipment, supporting a 24x7 production schedule.
Support ECN implementation and drives comprehensive disposition across departmental boundaries.
Support engineering with part updates, machine layouts and programs, as well as other functions.
Support FMEAs, Data Integrity and any future quality process improvements for our Operational teams.
Support identification of technologies required for new products.
Support implementation of product traceability and shop floor tracking.
Support local and global manufacturing teams on rapid resolution of customer issues.
Support long term project planning and execution.
Support manufacturing operations to meet Quality, Cost and Delivery metrics.
Support molding operations related to the MTS platform.
Support necessary personnel for internal, customer and third-party quality system audits.
Support New Product Introduction including pilot production runs.
Support of and participation in manufacturing engineering teams and projects as assigned.
Support of process development and equipment acquisition.
Support production with problem resolutions in respect to welding.
Support product sustainment and improvement activities.
Support QTPM Build requirements.
Support RQSC development to reflect process capability.
Support the Engineering Change System through analyzing and approving changes.
Support TUV, SFDA, FDA and so on to fulfil QMS requirement.
Support workforce training efforts.
Take
Take lead to analyze customer complaint and DEFOA, MOA, WOA, DOA.
Test
Test processes, equipment, raw materials, and product and perform process validations.
Train
Train and direct Operators on existing and new products as required.
Train new personal in procedures / policies in regard to equipment maintenance.
Train production personnel and evaluate their performance on following manufacturing processes.
Train supervisors and operators in accordance with work instructions.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot equipment and process problems.
Troubleshoot process defects and drive toward problem resolution.
Troubleshoot production issues and implements appropriate solutions.
Troubleshoot special maintenance and equipment problems.
Understand
Understand cost targets for company profitability.
Understand principles of "Cost of Goods Sold”.
Understand product development process and work within a formal stage / gate development process.
Understand and adheres to GMP, ISO and other quality system procedures.
Understand financial structure of the organization and its interactions with results.
Understand potential risks related to product malfunctions.
Update
Update WI and DHR according to ECR from designer or PPC.
Use
Use change control to correct deviation.
Use formal problem-solving techniques to identify and resolve complex problems.
Use various types of test and measurement equipment.
Utilize
Utilize established precedents and policies.
Utilize the process improvement tools like SPC, DOE, Gage R&R, etc..
Work with
Work to identify root cause of manufacturing failures using structured problem solving.
Work to improve the productivity and quality of Mechanical Assembly builds.
Work with Below the Hook supplier on tooling designs and implementation of tooling into production.
Work with CEM to prioritize and solve workmanship issues.
Work with cross functional teams to validate automated processes.
Work with design team to identify and incorporate manufacturability and assembly optimizations.
Work with Engineering group to implement weekly / monthly / annual strategy.
Work with Engineering in the NPI process to ensure smooth transition of newly.
Work with engineers to develop troubleshooting skills.
Work with operations and development team to ensure finished products meet customer specifications.
Work with other relevant groups to determine estimated costs, run time, and close the feedback loop.
Work with our Supply Chain Manager to identify equipment vendors.
Work with Product Development to ensure design for manufacture.
Work with suppliers to resolve manufacturing issues.
Work with support teams to provide appropriate staffing.
Work with the Manufacturing floor on solving any technical issues.
Work with the Tool Room team members to supply tooling and fixtures for new products and processes.
Work with various departments to facilitate pilot production of new products.
Write
Write manufacturing work instructions, validation protocols and equipment specifications.
Write Notification bulletins for production area communication regarding warranty issues.
Write test plans and support their realization.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Manufacturing Engineer:
Manufacturing Environment
MS Excel
Mechanical Engineering
CAD
Autocad
SPC
DOE
Lean Manufacturing
Six Sigma
Design
Word
Chemical
ISO
Manufacturing Processes
Microsoft Office
Continuous Improvement
Process Improvement
Electronics
Medical Device
Industrial Engineering
Value Stream Mapping
Automation
GMP
Welding
Assembly
Engineering Discipline
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Manufacturing Engineer:
Written and oral communication skills
Problem-solving attitude
Organizational capacity
Leadership
Interpersonal skills
Attention to detail
Analytical ability
Time-management
Presentation
Team player
Exercises judgment
Multi-task
Self-motivated
Innovative
Teamwork
Decision-making
Resourceful
Selecting innovative
Work with minimum supervision
Achieve problem resolution
Flexible
Independently mobile
Initiative
Self-starter
Planning
Priority management
Organized
Team leadership
Work ethic
Creative
