Equipment & Tooling Engineer

Job DescriptionJOB TITLE: Equipment & Tooling EngineerDATE PREPARED: 05/2026EXEMPT (Y/N): YesDEPARTMENT: e-VAC Magnetics LLC – EngineeringREPORTS TO: Engineering ManagerLOCATION: Sumter, SCJOB SUMMARY: The Equipment & Tooling Engineer will play a critical role in supporting manufacturing equipment reliability, production performance, and continuous improvement activities for the permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Sumter, South Carolina. This position serves as the technical owner for equipment-related engineering activities and supports the full equipment lifecycle, including specification, procurement, installation, commissioning, optimization, and handover to production. The Equipment & Tooling Engineer will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Automation Engineering, Quality, and external suppliers to ensure manufacturing equipment performs safely, reliably, and efficiently while supporting business growth objectives.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following.Equipment Reliability & Manufacturing SupportTroubleshoot complex equipment-related issues and implement sustainable corrective actionsImprove equipment reliability, uptime, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)Support root cause investigations related to equipment failures and production lossesIdentify and implement equipment improvements to increase manufacturing performanceSupport development of preventive and predictive maintenance strategiesEquipment Engineering & Continuous ImprovementDesign, develop, and implement equipment modifications and upgradesOptimize manufacturing equipment to improve safety, quality, yield, throughput, and cost performanceEvaluate equipment performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvementSupport machine and process capability studiesDevelop technical solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce operating costsCapital Projects & Equipment IntroductionDevelop equipment specifications, scopes of work, and technical requirementsSupport equipment selection, procurement, and supplier evaluationsLead or support capital projects from concept through production releaseCoordinate equipment installation, startup, commissioning, qualification, and acceptance activities (FAT/SAT)Support layout planning, manufacturing capacity planning, and equipment expansion initiativesEnsure successful handover of new equipment and technologies to productionTooling EngineeringDevelop and maintain tooling standards for manufacturing operationsCoordinate tooling design, procurement, modifications, and life-cycle managementSupport spare parts strategies and critical tooling inventoriesEnsure tooling supports process capability and product quality requirementsSupplier & Contractor ManagementCoordinate equipment suppliers, contractors, integrators, and service providersReview technical proposals and equipment quotationsParticipate in technical risk assessments and mitigation planningEnsure supplier deliverables meet technical, quality, safety, and schedule requirementsDocumentation & ComplianceMaintain equipment-related engineering documentation, standards, and recordsEnsure OEM documentation, drawings, manuals, and technical data are properly controlledDevelop and maintain operating, maintenance, and engineering proceduresSupport equipment safety reviews and regulatory compliance activitiesCross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, Automation Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHSSupport training and knowledge transfer for production and maintenance personnelParticipate in cross-functional problem-solving and continuous improvement initiativesServe as a technical resource for manufacturing equipment and tooling systemsEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCERecognized as degreed or holding an accredited certification in a relevant technical or engineering disciplineMinimum 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, equipment engineering, or industrial equipment supportExperience supporting automated manufacturing equipment in high-volume production environmentsExperience with equipment commissioning, startup, qualification, and production ramp-upExperience managing equipment suppliers and contractorsDemonstrates flexibility and a team-oriented mindset by supporting additional tasks and cross-functional needs as requiredPREFERRED:Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical fieldAutomotive manufacturing experienceExperience with capital projects exceeding $1MExperience with reliability engineering methodologiesExperience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiativesExperience leading equipment-related projects preferredREQUIREMENTS:Travel Requirements: 10% (as needed, domestic or international travel)LANGUAGE SKILLS:English, German beneficialSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITESNo formal direct reportsEMPLOYMENT AT WILLThis job description is intended as an outline of the duties of the position at VACUUMSCHMELZE and is subject to change by VAC from time to time. It is NOT a contract of employment. Employment at VAC is voluntarily entered into and is subject to termination by you or VAC AT WILL, with or without cause at any time, either party believes such action to be appropriate.