Manufacturing Engineer in Simpson, Pennsylvania at Gentex Corporation

PURPOSE:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes for both new and existing products. This role focuses on Lean Manufacturing, automation integration, and continuous improvement to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

The position supports new product development (NPD) and the transition of designs into production, while also optimizing legacy processes through data-driven problem solving, advanced manufacturing technologies, and design for manufacturability principles.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Process Development & New Product Development (NPD)

• Support the development and transition of new products into production, ensuring manufacturability and process readiness
• Collaborate with design engineering to incorporate Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) principles
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and technical evaluations
• Develop and qualify manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment

2. Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and eliminate waste using Lean tools such as value stream mapping, line balancing, and standardized work
• Convert batch processes into continuous flow operations aligned to takt time
• Lead and support root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to resolve production issues
• Drive process capability improvements, scrap reduction, and productivity gains

3. Automation & Technology Integration

• Support the evaluation, selection, and implementation of automation and robotic systems
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and quality through automation and AI-driven solutions
• Work with equipment suppliers and internal teams to develop cost-effective manufacturing solutions

4. Production Support & Problem Solving

• Provide daily technical support to manufacturing to resolve process interruptions and improve flow
• Troubleshoot tooling, equipment, and process issues; implement sustainable solutions
• Support supplier-related manufacturing and quality issues

5. Documentation & Standardization

• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process flows, BOMs, and routings
• Establish and improve standard work and best practices
• Support PFMEA activities and risk reduction efforts

6. Analysis & Planning

• Conduct time studies, capacity analysis, and cost evaluations
• Plan and execute experiments (DOE) to validate and improve processes
• Optimize floor layout, material flow, and resource utilization

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, quality, operations, supply chain, and external vendors
• Participate in integrated product teams to resolve technical challenges and improve overall product performance
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization

EDUCATION AND/OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSE(s):

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Aerospace, Materials Engineering, or related technical field required
• Advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma) preferred

EXPERIENCE:

• 1–5 years of experience in a manufacturing, process engineering, or product development environment
• Experience working in cross-functional or integrated product development teams preferred
• Exposure to aerospace, defense, composites manufacturing, or automated production systems is a plus
• Experience developing manufacturing documentation (e.g., work instructions, BOMs, routings) preferred
• Proficiency with engineering and data analysis tools (CAD, ERP, MES, statistical software).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., one-piece flow, takt time, waste reduction)
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, DMAIC, root cause analysis)
• Understanding of automation and robotic systems, with ability to support integration into manufacturing processes
• Exposure to AI or data-driven tools for process optimization is a plus
• Knowledge of composite materials, tooling, and processing techniques preferred
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, 3D models (SolidWorks preferred), and GD&T
• Familiarity with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and stage-gate reviews
• Working knowledge of AS9100 or similar quality systems preferred
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Hands-on approach with the ability to work effectively on the manufacturing floor
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with statistical tools (e.g., Minitab) preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

POSITION SUPERVISES (by department name or job title):

• Individual contributor role
• May coordinate activities with technicians, operators, and cross-functional team members
• No direct supervisory responsibilities

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

• Frequent interaction with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams
• Regular communication with suppliers and occasional interaction with customers

PHYSICAL / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment
• Exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and production conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform typical physical activities (standing, walking, bending, etc.)

TRAVEL:

Limited travel required

LOCATION: Gentex’s Carbondale facility is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania in Lackawanna County. Carbondale, PA is about twenty miles north of Scranton, PA, 50 miles south of Binghamton, NY, and about 125 miles from New York City and Philadelphia. The area hosts numerous nearby state parks, nature preserves and local colleges and universities, including The University of Scranton and Marywood University. Northeast Pennsylvania is a beautiful area and offers an excellent cost of living. It is a great place to work, recreate, meet people, raise a family and live!

Gentex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for any applicable state or federal protected class. Gentex is an E-Verify Participant. Pre-employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required.