Manufacturing Engineer

CEL Critical Power – Powering the AI Revolution:

CEL has an opportunity for you to join our rapidly growing US business, where you will have an opportunity to make a significant impact on our immediate and long-term success of our Supply Chain function. 

CEL is an Irish based 40-year manufacturer, distributor and exporter of electrical switchgear and controls, and related products and services, now focused on the supplying the global Data Centre industry.

Operating from our newly acquired 400,000ft2 facility in Williamsburg, Virginia, we aim to double in size each year for the next three years.

CEL is led by a hard-working team who follow traditional working practices, value collaboration, continuous improvement, excellence in quality and commercial curiosity; this is your chance to develop your career as part of a dynamic US SMT who will shape the future of our business.

About The Role:                                                                               

Reporting to the Continuous Improvement Manager, the Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing and supporting manufacturing processes to ensure efficient, cost-effective and high-quality production of our low voltage switchgear products. This role involves continuous improvement, technical problem-solving, and collaboration across production, quality, and design teams.  The successful candidate will be passionate about what they do and thrive in a fast-paced environment. 

What You'll Be Doing:

Process Design & Optimization:

• Develop and improve manufacturing processes for assembly of low voltage switchgear.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Create and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and SOPs.

Production Support:

• Provide technical support to resolve process and equipment issues on the shop floor.
• Ensure smooth transition from design to production, including process validation.
• Monitor and improve cycle times and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Equipment & Tooling Management:

• Specify, procure, and maintain production equipment and tooling.
• Optimize machine setups and ensure preventive maintenance schedules are followed.
• Introduce automation and ergonomic solutions where feasible.

Quality Assurance:

• Collaborate with Quality team to ensure compliance with electrical standards and specifications.
• Conduct root cause analysis for defects and implement corrective actions.
• Support initiatives to improve First Pass Yield and reduce scrap.

New Product Introduction:

• Work with design engineering to industrialize new products for manufacturability.
• Develop process flows, work instructions, and training for new product launches.
• Ensure scalability of processes for medium-volume production.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Monitor key metrics such as cycle time, scrap rate, and OEE.
• Use data-driven approaches to identify bottlenecks and implement improvements.
• Prepare reports for management on process performance and improvement projects.

Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure all processes comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments for new equipment and processes.
• Promote a culture of safety on the shop floor.

Continuous Improvement:

• Lead Kaizen events and Six Sigma projects to enhance productivity.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality.
• Stay updated on new manufacturing technologies and best practices.

What You’ll Need:

• Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• +5 years’ experience in a manufacturing engineering role, preferably in electrical or mechanical assembly.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.
• Proficiency in MS Office, CAD software and ERP systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Capable of managing short-term project teams and fostering collaboration across departments.

We strongly believe that seeking out and hiring the most diverse talent and creating an inclusive workplace is the way to create an exceptional and innovative workplace for our employees which will deliver excellence in service to our customers.  We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experience to join this multicultural, hard-working team.

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• A dynamic and growing team focused on innovation and excellence