A growing manufacturing company in Walton, KY is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support operations, process improvement, and equipment optimization within a regulated production environment. This role plays a key part in improving manufacturing efficiency, reducing operational costs, and supporting production of alcohol-based hand and surface sanitizers used in food processing, healthcare, medical device, and janitorial industries.
The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with operations, quality, engineering teams, suppliers, and customers to improve production processes, implement automation solutions, and support validation activities.
This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys continuous improvement, process optimization, manufacturing automation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Manufacturing Engineer Responsibilities
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase manufacturing efficiency and reduce operational costs
- Conduct time studies and motion analysis to improve productivity and workflow
- Lead cross-functional teams to implement process improvement projects
- Perform ergonomic analysis and implement workplace improvements
- Support equipment evaluation, purchasing, and integration into manufacturing operations
- Develop and execute validation protocols, procedures, and reports for equipment and manufacturing processes
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements
- Collaborate with operations to ensure proper operator training for new and existing processes
- Evaluate material flow and manufacturing processes to identify improvement opportunities
- Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing documentation
- Implement process control strategies and decision-making tools to maintain production consistency
- Support inventory accuracy and reduction of material loss
- Design and modify fixtures, automated equipment, and poka-yoke systems to improve production reliability
- Support automation technologies including robotics and programmable controllers (PLC systems)
- Perform plant layout analysis including workflow, labor utilization, and material flow improvements
- Support corrective action and quality improvement activities
- Apply PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology to continuous improvement initiatives
- Develop visual management systems to improve operational transparency
Manufacturing Engineer Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering preferred)
- 5+ years of manufacturing engineering or product quality experience
- Experience in regulated manufacturing environments preferred (medical device, chemical, or healthcare products)
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes involving chemicals or plastics preferred
- Familiarity with automation systems, robotics, or PLC-controlled equipment
- Experience with process validation and equipment validation
- Strong understanding of continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, PDCA, process optimization)
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and manufacturing management software
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams across operations, quality, and engineering
Regulatory & Industry Knowledge (Preferred)
- Familiarity with cGMP manufacturing environments
- Experience with FDA regulations (21 CFR 820)
- Knowledge of EPA compliance requirements
- Experience working in regulated manufacturing or medical device environments
Why Join This Team?
- Opportunity to work in a growing manufacturing environment
- Exposure to advanced manufacturing processes and automation
- Collaborative cross-functional engineering environment
- Opportunity to lead continuous improvement initiatives
- Career growth within operations and engineering leadership
