Job Title: Manufacturing/Quality Engineer

Location: Ames, Iowa

Salary: $85-95K 

Job Summary of the Manufacturing/Quality Engineer: The Manufacturing/Quality Engineer plays a key role in the development, optimization, and deployment of manufacturing processes to ensure efficient, high-quality production of products. This role focuses on process design and improvement rather than product design, with a strong emphasis on ensuring product quality and a successful handoff of new designs to the production team. 

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Manufacturing/Quality Engineer:

·         Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, and other technical documentation to produce accurate and precise drawings.

·         Develop, document, and refine manufacturing processes to ensure they are robust, repeatable, and cost-effective.

·         Lead the design and implementation of new production methods for upcoming products and revisions.

·         Collaborate with design engineering to transition product concepts into scalable manufacturing processes.

·         Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to improve process performance.

·         Maintain and update process documentation, SOPs, and forms as required by ISO 9000 standards.

·         Serve as the key liaison between product development and production, ensuring design intent is maintained through launch.

·         Lead pre-production process validation, including PFMEA, control plans, and capability studies.

·         Support tooling, equipment, and fixture design to ensure process readiness.

·         Monitor early production runs to ensure process stability and product conformity.

·         Drive quality assurance by proactively identifying process risks and implementing preventive measures.

·         Apply lean manufacturing tools and methodologies to reduce waste and increase throughput.

·         Support internal audits and corrective action planning related to process and product quality.

·         Lead cross-functional teams in Kaizen or other improvement initiatives.

·         Partner with Quality, Design, and Operations teams to ensure alignment across process requirements and customer expectations.

·         Communicate effectively with internal teams and suppliers regarding process capability, improvement plans, and project 􀆟timelines.

·         Conduct training for operators and technicians on new processes and updated standards.

 Education & Experience of the Manufacturing/Quality Engineer:

·         Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline required.

·         Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering in an industrial setting.

·         Strong background in process development, launch, and optimization.

·         Experience with ERP systems (Syteline a plus) and ISO quality systems.

·         Experience in industrial/heavy-duty products is a plus.

·         Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.

·         Strong proficiency in Microsoft􀅌 Office and CAD tools.

·         Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

·         Familiarity with lean tools such as 5S, value stream mapping, and Six Sigma preferred.

·         Proficiency in ERP systems and a strong understanding of how to leverage technology to improve operational efficiencies.