Kaspar Outdoors-Manufacturing Engineer

Description:

Kaspar Outdoors: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Opportunities:

• Can you play a crucial role in improving production efficiency and ensuring product quality?
• Do you stay informed of industry trends and best practices in technology?
• Does working for a family-centric organization based in a small-town environment appeal to you?
• Do the values of stewardship, versatility, and family resonate strongly with you?
• Do you find the improvement of people’s lives through stewardship of God-given resources inspiring?

Then Kaspar Outdoors is for you!

Primary Function:

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a crucial role in optimizing manufacturing processes, improving production efficiency, and ensuring product quality. This position requires a strong background in manufacturing engineering principles, process improvement methodologies, and lean manufacturing techniques. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze current production methods, develop and implement process enhancements, and support the organization’s overall manufacturing objectives.

Position Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop innovative solutions to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Participate in new product development activities, providing input on design for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA) principles.
• Develop and implement standardized work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process control plans to ensure consistent and efficient production.
• Conduct time and motion studies, line balancing, and capacity analysis to optimize production flow and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to identify and eliminate waste, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and drive operational excellence.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to evaluate and select appropriate manufacturing equipment, tools, and technologies.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address manufacturing issues, including non-conforming products, equipment malfunctions, and process deviations.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including process flowcharts, work instructions, and equipment maintenance records.
• Support production teams by providing technical guidance, training, and troubleshooting assistance.
• Identify opportunities for automation and robotics integration to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce manual labor requirements.
• Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in manufacturing engineering.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to develop and implement inspection and testing protocols to ensure product quality and adherence to specifications.
• Support cost reduction initiatives by identifying opportunities for material and process optimization.
• Participate in cross-functional teams for process validation, equipment qualification, and new product introductions.
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken formats.
• Ability to optimize fabrication equipment, tool design experience.
• Experience with turret punch presses, press brakes, tube bender, laser cutting, and welding automation a plus.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software and familiarity with engineering drawing interpretation.
• Must have superb problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize both daily issues and strategic projects.
• Must have high aptitude for mechanics.
• Ability to work closely with department supervision and production workers.

Qualifications:

• BS in Engineering (industrial or mechanical preferred).
• 2+ years of experience in a Manufacturing Engineering role.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing engineering principles, processes, and methodologies.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing concepts and tools (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Six Sigma).
• Metal working industry experience.
• Experience in SolidWorks and with CAM software such as Master CAM, AP100US, FabriWin, BendPro, ProNest, Steel Solutions.
• MS Office Applications (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook, etc…) proficiency required.
• Must possess current and valid driving record with clear history for the past three years.

Physical Requirements:

• Extended periods of sitting and/or walking (33% – 75% of time)
• Stooping, bending, twisting, leaning (10% – 25% of time)
• Lifting of up to 25 lbs. occasionally (0% – 33% of time)

Work Environment:

• Frequent work in a manufacturing environment where the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, hearing protection and safety shoes is mandatory.

Requirements: