Standex Engraving is seeking a highly driven, conscientious Engineering professional to join it's dynamic Team! Reports to: Plant Manager Classification: Exempt Location: Fraser, MI OVERVIEW The Manufacturing (Process & Quality) Engineer is a high-visibility, hands-on role responsible for establishing stable, capable, and efficient manufacturing processes across assigned product value streams in a new program production start-up environment. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role will take ownership of stabilizing end-to-end manufacturing processes for multiple products during plant ramp-up. The engineer will drive process capability, reduce variation, and implement structured root cause solutions while serving as the primary technical owner for customer quality issue resolution. This is a highly empowered role with direct impact on product quality, cost, and delivery performance, requiring strong technical ownership and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving production environment. Essential Duties 1. New Value Stream Process Stabilization Ownership (Immediate Focus) • Establish and own end-to-end manufacturing process performance for assigned product value streams including following operations: • Injection molding • Automated fabric cutting • Adhesive application (roll coating and spray) • Lamination and edge folding of interior trim components • Establish stable, repeatable, and capable processes across all steps of the value stream • Lead process development, setup, startup, and troubleshooting activities • Maintain and evolve Control Plans and PFMEA tied to actual process risks • Maintain and evolve process related quality documentation • Optimize process parameters to reach stable levels of scrap, yield, cycle time, and throughput • Identify and eliminate sources of variation across interconnected processes • Drive process standardization and define “golden parameters” for each operation • Collaborate with tooling, design, and production teams to improve manufacturability Integrated Customer Quality Responsibilities • Serve as primary technical owner for customer quality issues • Lead structured root cause analysis using 8D or equivalent methodologies • Define and implement containment, corrective, and preventive actions • Validate effectiveness of corrective actions using process and product data • Communicate technical findings and resolution status to internal teams and customers • Ensure timely and professional response to customer concerns • Plan and execute process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ) across multiple manufacturing steps • Design and execute DOE studies to establish robust process windows • Perform process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk) for critical characteristics • Ensure alignment between process parameters and product performance requirements 2. Quality System Development Support • Support implementation of quality systems aligned with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 • Implement SPC on critical process and product characteristics • Lead measurement system analysis (MSA) activities where required • Contribute to internal audit readiness and continuous improvement initiatives 3. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence (After Stabilization) • Control and streamline mass production (man, machine, material, method, environment) variables and own consequent in-house as well as customer concerns • Drive scrap reduction, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement initiatives • Improve process flow and integration across value stream operations • Support development of visual controls, standard work, and process documentation • Train and guide technicians and operators on process control and problem-solving • Identify opportunities for automation and process enhancement Education and Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Plastics, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience) • 3-5+ years of hands-on manufacturing process engineering experience • Demonstrated experience in structured problem-solving in technical manufacturing processes • Experience in one or more of the following strongly preferred: • Injection molding • Adhesive processes / coating / lamination • Textile or trim component manufacturing • Experience with process validation, troubleshooting, and production ramp environments • Working knowledge of automotive quality methodologies (PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Control Plans) Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Strong process engineering mindset across multi-step manufacturing systems • Ability to understand and control variation across interconnected processes • Strong communication skills for cross-functional and customer interaction • Strong problem-prevention mindset • Strong root cause analysis and data-driven decision-making skills • Working knowledge of SPC and process capability concepts • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving production environment • Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); ERP/SAP experience a plus • Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD tools highly desirable • High ownership mindset with ability to independently drive results Work Environment • Combination of production floor and office work; significant time on manufacturing floor required • Requires standing, walking, and lifting up to 50 lbs as needed • PPE compliance required in production areas • Flexible schedule to support production ramp, trials, and issue resolution • Fast-paced startup environment with competing priorities Physical Requirements include (but not limited to): • Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday • Frequent movement between manufacturing floor areas • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or reach as needed to observe processes, equipment, and tooling • Manual dexterity sufficient to use hand tools, measuring instruments, keyboards, and computer equipment. • Occasional lifting and carrying of parts, tools, fixtures, or equipment up to 25 – 50 lbs