Manufacturing Engineer

Role Summary

Job Description

Manufacturing Engineer

MANN+HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions

Location: Goleta, CA

MANN+HUMMEL Water & Fluid Solutions is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Manufacturing Automation to support manufacturing operations and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced production environment.

This role is heavily focused on process optimization, automation integration, recipe development for automated systems, poka-yoke implementation, equipment/process reliability, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have experience improving manufacturing robustness through engineered process controls, automation support, Lean Manufacturing practices, and cross-functional collaboration.

This position requires a highly engaged engineer capable of supporting day-to-day manufacturing operations while also leading process improvements, capital projects, automation initiatives, and safety/quality improvements throughout the facility.

Cross-functional collaboration is considered a cornerstone of manufacturing success within the organization. This role will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Production Scheduling, EHS, and Leadership teams to drive sustainable operational improvements.

Main Tasks

• Develop, optimize, and sustain manufacturing processes focused on efficiency, quality, ergonomics, and safety.
• Analyze manufacturing flow, bottlenecks, cycle times, labor utilization, and machine performance.
• Conduct time studies, line balancing activities, and capacity analysis.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Develop standardized work instructions, process documentation, and visual management systems.
• Support process validations, DOE activities, PFMEA development, and Control Plans.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for process and quality issues.
• Support automated manufacturing equipment and motion systems including Cartesian systems and automated production equipment.
• Develop, modify, and optimize machine recipes and automated process parameters.
• Implement poka-yoke systems and engineered safeguards to improve safety and product quality.
• Support troubleshooting and optimization of HMIs, sensors, pneumatic systems, and automated processes.
• Assist with commissioning, FAT/SAT execution, startup support, and equipment validation activities.
• Work with integrators, vendors, and Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and process robustness.
• Design fixtures, tooling, machine guards, brackets, and process improvements using SolidWorks.
• Create and maintain technical drawings and manufacturing layouts.
• Support manufacturing-related CAPEX projects and equipment modifications.
• Assist with equipment installation planning, process integration, and startup execution.
• Provide direct floor support to production operations and manufacturing personnel.
• Support TPM initiatives and equipment reliability programs.
• Monitor and improve KPIs related to downtime, labor efficiency, scrap, throughput, and OEE.
• Participate in Kaizen events and operational excellence initiatives.
• Support operator training and process implementation activities.
• Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Production Scheduling, Procurement, and EHS teams.
• Maintain strong communication and responsiveness while supporting production needs.
• Build positive working relationships with operators, supervisors, technicians, engineers, and vendors.
• Contribute actively to continuous improvement initiatives and problem-solving activities.
• Support a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and teamwork throughout the facility.
  
  

Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or industrial engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing systems and process optimization initiatives.
• Experience developing or modifying machine recipes and automated process parameters.
• Experience implementing poka-yoke and error-proofing systems.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and mechanical drafting.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in filtration, converting, membrane manufacturing, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and industrial automation systems.
• Experience with Cartesian motion systems or automated handling systems.
• Experience supporting FAT/SAT activities and equipment commissioning.
• Knowledge of PFMEA, SPC, TPM, Control Plans, and process validation methodologies.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on and floor-oriented leadership style.
• Strong mechanical and process intuition.
• Self-driven and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting mindset.
• Comfortable operating within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.