Production Engineer I

Position Summary:

The Production Engineer I supports daily manufacturing operations and drives process improvements across the production floor. This role helps implement efficient, standardized manufacturing practices that meet both company and customer expectations for quality, cost, and delivery. This is a hands-on role ideal for recent grads or early-career engineers looking to make a tangible impact in a fast-paced production environment.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Product & Process Support
• Ensure product designs align with engineering best practices, company standards, and customer requirements.
• Partner with Procurement and Quality teams to uphold safety and product quality standards.
• Support the release of new drawings, specification updates, and process changes by collaborating with internal and customer technical teams.
• Assist in Corrective Action Reports (CARs) and lead process adjustments or rework as needed.
• Work with Engineering, Production Supervisors, and Suppliers to identify and implement product and process improvements.
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
• Advocate for and support Lean manufacturing practices across the organization.
• Help design efficient systems and workflows that improve productivity, reduce waste, and maintain high quality.
• Contribute to the layout and optimization of manufacturing cells.
• Participate in Kaizen events, process mapping, and continuous improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain standard work instructions and visual guides.
• Track and report results from Lean initiatives, including cost savings and performance improvements.
• Operational Support
• Provide day-to-day engineering support to help meet production goals and schedules.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time customer delivery.
• Help identify production challenges and support efforts to remove process roadblocks.
• Assist in tracking key performance metrics like inventory, lead times, and delivery performance.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
• Follows company rules and procedures.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment; experience in sewing construction is a plus.
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SYSPRO) is preferred.

Qualifications:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and able to read technical drawings and blueprints.
• Familiarity with Lean tools (e.g., 5S, value stream mapping, standard work).
• Strong problem-solving skills and data analysis skills, including root cause analysis.
• Comfortable interpreting technical data and applying mathematical concepts.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, Project, Word), AutoCAD, and solid modeling tools.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to juggle multiple priorities.
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills; comfortable working cross-functionally.
• Self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset.

Training Requirements:

NA

Travel Requirements:

Periodic travel may be required to support project functions such as supplier visits, product testing, and technical customer meetings.

ITAR Requirements:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Physical Demands: (*)

The position requires that the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel.  The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, and kneel. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: (*)

This position will require a working environment mix comprised of office, shop floor, field and customer locations (both domestic and international). While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions prevalent at the time and an air-conditioned and heated office; static electricity and explosives (in test conditions). The noise level is normally moderate may be occasionally high.

*Note: Both the Physical Demand and Work Environment sections are required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

Pay Range: $36.81–$44.82