Manufacturing Engineer

Do you thrive on designing engineered solutions to solve real problems? Join the Sauder Manufacturing team and help us help people!

Sauder Manufacturing was founded in 1945 as a Church furniture Company and is a wholly owned by the parent Sauder Woodworking Co.  We have a rich history in crafting solid wood into beautiful, enduring, quality furniture and today that is blended with modern technology and a strong customer focus.

Sauder Manufacturing Co. sells in four strategic markets: Healthcare Furniture for Acute Care Hospitals, Education Furniture for colleges and universities, Worship furniture for churches, synagogues, courthouses  and furniture for human services markets which is a diverse network of agencies providing residential housing to many individuals. At Sauder Manufacturing, how do we do our work----new technology, new products and new ideas----changes constantly---but our values----how we treat our customers, suppliers and each other----never change.

Position Summary:

This Manufacturing Engineering I position will entail development, maintenance, and troubleshooting the following:  Routings, Rates, Standard Work, and Work Instructions.  The job will provide technical support to Manufacturing, Systems, and Customer Care, to aid in providing a quality furniture product to our customers, in a Lean Manufacturing environment.  The job will also include engineering of process improvements and support for developing operations processes for new products.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible to work safely, maintain an orderly and safe work environment, and participate in safety initiatives
• Assist in develop manufacturing processes in support of new product launches
• Assist in creating cell layouts, which support one-piece flow, optimal operator balance, and minimization of waste
• Responsible for assisting with the conception, development and perfection of workstations, jigs and fixtures used to efficiently produce the components and assemblies for new products
• Fabricate precision parts and fixtures using metalworking and wood working machines and equipment
• Provide training and instructions to production employees in support of new products, processes, and procedures
• Analyze and recommend processes changes for effectiveness, flow, and seek root cause to eliminate process variation, and improve cycle times
• Use technology tools to creates drawings and technical documentation needed to support engineering, purchasing and production
• Develop and maintain bills of materials and routing information
• Create and maintain clear, concise, consistent process documentation and SOP’s
• Provide technical support to Manufacturing and Customer Care for product and process questions
• Troubleshoot production issues regarding quality, product, and process
• Research, author, and implement process changes in operations
• Specify, quote, and facilitate product modification requests, and provide necessary documentation and training for production
• Responsible for actively contributing to the continuous improvement of products and processes, by reducing waste, reducing material costs, and investigating new methods and materials
• contribute to LEAN initiatives
• Assist with other manufacturing engineering tasks, as assigned

Experience and Knowledge Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, accountability for meeting commitments and deadlines.
• written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact, influence, and communicate with a diverse range of people at all levels across the company as well as with external suppliers.
• Experience with MS Office, including Publisher, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with CAD – AutoCAD, SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM is preferred
• Experience with a business ERP system is preferred
• Experience or education in Lean manufacturing principles, root-cause analysis and A3 Problem solving
• Able to demonstrate critical-thinking skills, good writing skills, photo editing skills, and ability to write clear work instructions.
• Experience in furniture manufacturing and/or knowledge of woodworking, upholstery, or fabric processes would be beneficial.

Key Attributes Required:

• Safety conscious with a concern for others safety
• Intelligent and fast learner, with a desire for continuous learning and self-improvement.
• Self-starting, results-oriented individual who takes personal accountability for performance.
• Strong time and priority management skills coupled with the ability to use a logical and systematic approach to meet objectives.
• Willing and able to work collaboratively in a team environment, supporting others at all levels of the organization.
• Strong leadership and facilitation skills that effectively engage others.
• Exceptional attention to details, and sound problem-solving skills.
• A desire to serve, both internal and external customers.
• Must be able to operate in a manner consistent with the mission statement and governing values of the organization.
  

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and frequently required to walk and sit. Use of hands and fingers will be required for writing, computer use, and phone use.  Work in a manner consistent with standard Sauder safety practices and expectations.  The employee will also be required to walk throughout the plant at various times during a typical day.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Encompasses the full spectrum from factory floor to personal offices, to executive board rooms.  The noise levels in these work environments are usually low to moderate. Personal protective equipment such as eye protection and ear protection may be required in the shop floor environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disabled/Veteran