Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Automation & Process Improvement

Our client is a highly respected manufacturing firm seeking a motivated Senior Manufacturing Engineer to drive automation initiatives and continuous process improvement within their production facilities. This role is crucial for enhancing efficiency, quality, and safety across all manufacturing lines. You will be responsible for identifying opportunities to implement advanced automation technologies, designing and optimizing production processes, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical or industrial engineering, extensive experience with manufacturing automation systems (robotics, PLCs, SCADA), and a proven track record of successfully implementing process improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, evaluate, and implement automation solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and product quality.
• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes and workflows.
• Develop and manage projects related to new equipment installation, process upgrades, and automation integration.
• Troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Create and maintain process documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and P&IDs.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality assurance, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless integration and operation of manufacturing systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed process changes and automation investments.
• Train production personnel on new equipment and processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and environmental standards in the manufacturing environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a strong focus on process improvement and automation.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting automated manufacturing systems (e.g., robotics, PLC programming, SCADA systems).
• Solid understanding of manufacturing principles, production methodologies, and quality control techniques.
• Experience with CAD software for process and layout design.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Experience in the food and beverage or automotive manufacturing sectors is a plus.
• Knowledge of data analysis tools and statistical process control (SPC).

This hands-on role is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US , and requires full-time, on-site presence.