Manufacturing Engineer - New Product Development - Landscape Forms

Currently seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join in the development and implementation of new products and continuous improvement projects onsite in Kalamazoo, MI.

This role is responsible for ensuring efficient and high-quality manufacturing processes while working closely with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, supply chain, lifecycle engineering and manufacturing.

Let's talk if you have a passion for manufacturing, an understanding of what it takes to lead projects well, and a proven track record in product development.

Benefits: Landscape Forms takes pride in offering a competitive benefits package including, but not limited to, insurance benefits (available your first day), 401(k), family and parenting leaves, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, quarterly bonuses, and paid time off.

How You Contribute:

• Ensure compliance with facility safety guidelines and promote a culture of safety within the manufacturing operations.
• Support operations through new product introductions and continuous improvement projects.
• Collaborate with design, product engineering, supply chain and lifecycle engineering teams to incorporate design for manufacturability principles throughout the new product development process.
• Develop comprehensive manufacturing strategies for new products, including process requirements, capacity analyses, and necessary investments. Conduct stakeholder reviews to obtain buy-in from all levels of operations leadership.
• Provide labor and material estimates for new products to the product engineering and finance teams, supporting financial analyses.
• Collaborate with product engineer and tooling engineer to determine required capital and start-up expenses for implementing new products into manufacturing.
• Guide the operations team to achieve production readiness on new products by setting up manufacturing areas, conducting engineering builds within manufacturing, developing standard work for manufacturing processes, and assisting with the training of manufacturing team members.
• Initiate and lead continuous improvement projects to improve production process, equipment, or tooling for the operations team.
• Undertake other projects and responsibilities as necessary to support product development and manufacturing operations.

Criteria for Success:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent skill level.
• History of achievement with an emphasis on customer service and problem-solving.
• Track record of success in developing lean manufacturing processes and project management.
• Must demonstrate knowledge in the use of lean manufacturing and project management tools.
• Engineers must possess the ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Must be knowledgeable in the use of common quality system tools such as PFMEA, Gage R&R, capability studies, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, standard deviation, and the use of a CMM.
• Must possess an understanding of basic manufacturing equipment including lathes, mills, routers, plasma, laser, rollers, welders, and presses. Must be proficient Microsoft Office software and the ability to utilize SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Experience in metal fabrication, cellular manufacturing, and a base knowledge of the properties of materials used in site furniture such as steel, concrete, aluminum, wood, and plastics is required.
• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in common units of measure and have a working knowledge of data collection, data analysis, and evaluation.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Mostly office, but may be required to work in noisy or hot environment and around moving machinery.  Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.  Must be able to stand, sit, or walk for up to 10 hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform principal accountabilities.

Who We Are:

Landscape Forms is the industry leader in integrated solutions of high-design site furniture and advanced LED lighting. For more than 50 years we have produced site furnishings that help designers and other clients achieve beautiful, functional environments that enhance the experience of outdoor space. Our secret is simple. Design, Culture and Craft drive everything we do.