Location: Plant-Level, Bay Minette, AL (Onsite)

Industry: Metals Manufacturing

Position Summary:
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support daily plant operations within a metals manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for driving process efficiency, supporting production flow, managing inventory and procurement activities, and ensuring job quality. The ideal candidate brings a balance of technical manufacturing knowledge and strong operational discipline, with the ability to work cross-functionally across production and engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing & Process Improvement

• Implement and sustain lean manufacturing practices to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize throughput
• Analyze production processes and recommend improvements in workflow, tooling, and equipment utilization
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and cost-reduction efforts

Production & Job Management

• Create, release, and manage jobs within the ERP System (EPICOR)
• Develop clear and accurate job travelers and work instructions
• Ensure proper scheduling and coordination with production teams
• Issue drawings from BMC Control Documents in accordance with job packets to manufacturing floor

Quoting & Costing

• Assist in preparing customer quotes, including labor, material, outside resources, and processing estimates
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to ensure accurate and competitive estimates

Inventory & Procurement

• Manage inventory levels to ensure material availability while minimizing excess
• Create and manage purchase orders (POs) for raw materials, components, and services
• Coordinate with vendors on lead times, pricing, and delivery performance (with assistance from Materials Manager)

Shipping & Receiving

• Oversee incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation
• Coordinate logistics (with internal Logistics Manager) to meet production and customer delivery requirements

Quality & Inspection

• Support inspections to ensure compliance with specifications and tolerances
• Address non-conformances and support corrective actions

Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers
• Evaluate vendor performance on quality, cost, and delivery
• Source new vendors as needed to support operational goals

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred (or equivalent hands-on experience)
• 0–5+ years of experience in a metals manufacturing or fabrication environment
• Experience with welding, machining, or fabrication processes strongly preferred

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (cutting, forming, welding, machining, assembly)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with lean tools (5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, etc.)

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization
• High level of accountability and work ethic
• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, plant-floor environment

Additional Attributes:

• Hands-on approach with a willingness to be on the shop floor daily
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on practical execution

Alternate Titles:

• Manufacturing Engineer
• Industrial Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Production Engineer
• Continuous Improvement Engineer
• Manufacturing Process Engineer
• Operations Engineer
• Plant Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer (Manufacturing Environment)
• Reliability Engineer
• Maintenance Engineer

Keywords for SEO: manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, process improvement, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, ISO 9001, metals manufacturing, fabrication, machining, welding, GD&T, ERP, MRP, Epicor, production planning, inventory management, procurement, vendor management, cost reduction, quality control, plant operations, operational efficiency

EEOC Statement: We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.