Manufacturing Engineer

Company Information: 

Rock Exotica (Thompson Manufacturing, Inc) was founded in 1987 by Rock Thompson, whose passion for rock climbing and inventive spirit led him to build the company from his parent’s garage with a rebuilt WWII milling machine and a groundbreaking product—the Soloist. Since then, Rock Exotica has continued to revolutionize technical equipment for professionals, staying true to its roots of innovation, safety, and quality. Proudly designed, manufactured, and assembled in Utah, USA, we remain committed to pushing boundaries while honoring the craftsmanship that started it all.  

Join the team that’s redefining safety. At Rock Exotica, we don’t just manufacture safety and rescue equipment, we lead the industry with groundbreaking Innovation and first-to-market products Trusted by first responders, arborists, and the entertainment world. We’re looking for Dedicated individuals who value quality, precision, and the mission of helping others stay safe.  If you're driven by purpose and inspired by Excellence, Rock Exotica is where your impact begins!!

Job Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining efficient manufacturing processes that ensure products are produced accurately, safely, and cost-effectively. This role places a strong emphasis on process engineering including line balancing, lean manufacturing practices, and continuous improvement initiatives, to optimize workflow, reduce waste, and improve production throughput and quality. The Manufacturing Engineer serves as a critical liaison between the

Research and Development Group and Production, ensuring product documentation, process controls, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are in place, up to date, and continuously improved.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Owns the creation, updating, and maintenance of product production documentation, ensuring clarity and consistency for production execution.
• Leads line balancing studies and implements efficient workstation layouts to support takt time and throughput goals.
• Identifies and implements lean manufacturing improvements, including but not limited to 5S, standard work, visual management, and waste elimination (TIMWOOD).
• Drives and facilitates continuous improvement (CI) initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve quality, and lower production costs.
• Conducts time and motion studies, capacity analysis, and value stream mapping to identify areas of improvement.
• Assists Product Engineers in resolving product manufacturability issues; contributes to Design for Manufacturing (DFM) activities.
• Supports first article inspections and process validations for new products and processes.
• Collaborates with the Assembly Manager and production teams to improve production control systems, SOPs, safety protocols, and training materials.
• Participates in the manufacturing launch of new/revised products, including planning, training, documentation, and performance evaluation.
• Designs, sources, and implements tools, fixtures, and equipment that improve manufacturing efficiency and ergonomics.
• Performs root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) for process-related issues.
• Represents Manufacturing Engineering on cross-functional teams and CI events (e.g., kaizen, Gemba walks, A3s).
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Competencies:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the duties of this position:

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools (Kaizen, 5S, SMED, VSM, etc.).
• Proficiency in line balancing and process layout optimization.
• Data-driven problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Project planning and cross-functional collaboration.
• Technical aptitude with manufacturing systems, tools, and production workflows.
• Initiative and ability to execute CI initiatives independently.
• Clear, concise communication and documentation skills.
• Strong sense of ownership and urgency.

Qualifications: 

These are the minimum qualifications required to successfully perform the job:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Materials Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering or process engineering role within a durable goods environment.
• Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing, process improvement, and production line optimization.
• Skilled in SolidWorks (or similar CAD software), MS Office, and data analysis tools.
• Experience conducting time studies, PFMEA, and implementing SOPs preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments. Requires regular interaction on the production floor for process validation and improvement. Appropriate PPE, including safety glasses and protective clothing, must be worn as required by location and task.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, and arms 
• Frequently requires the use of finders and hands to handle, feel, grasp and manipulate small parts & tools with precision and dexterity. 
• Frequently requires one to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to walk, stoop, bend, and reach above shoulder height and below waist height regularly. 
• Visual acuity is required for reading travelers, instructions, inspections of parts and products. 
• Must be able to communicate with managers and coworkers in a noisy environment. 

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision: Eligible first date of following month hired
• Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off
• Company provided Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
• Company provided Life Insurance
• Industry Discounts
• Simple IRA Plan with Company 3% Match
• Professional Development Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave (4 weeks after one year of employment)
• Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Disclaimer:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification.  It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. 

By applying for this job,  I acknowledge that I have read and understand the duties, responsibilities, competencies, disclaimer and other requirements as outlined in this job description.