Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerLocation: Columbia, SC (100% Onsite)Reports To: Engineering Manager / Operations ManagerTarget Starting Salary: $65,000 - $90,000/year (Based on experience level)Position SummaryWe are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support both daily operations and strategic project initiatives in a high-volume, assembly-focused production environment. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on the manufacturing floor, driving process improvements, ensuring efficiency, and planning new assembly processes. While some CAD work may be required, this is not a design role.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport and improve day-to-day assembly operations to maximize efficiency, quality, and throughput.Identify and eliminate waste through lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.Develop and implement new manufacturing processes and assembly lines for upcoming product launches.Collaborate with production, quality, and maintenance teams to resolve production issues quickly and effectively.Lead and support kaizen events, time studies, and root cause analysis (5-Why, Fishbone, etc.).Create and maintain work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process documentation.Occasionally use CAD software to review or modify existing layouts, fixtures, or tooling (minimal design work).Drive plant floor initiatives related to safety, ergonomics, and productivity.Monitor and analyze key production metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.2+ years of experience in a manufacturing or assembly environment (preferably high-volume or large-scale). 5+ years of expertise for higher pay levels.Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.Comfortable spending the majority of the time on the production floor, interacting with operators and solving real-time issues.Basic CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar); not a design-heavy role.Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.