Manufacturing Engineer in Zeeland, Michigan at Innotec

Innotec, headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan, is a global, highly automated manufacturing company serving automotive, recreation, lawn & turf, and industrial markets. We deliver innovative, high-quality solutions—including advanced LED lighting—while maintaining a strong commitment to performance and sustainability. Our culture is built on ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to make an impact and grow their careers.

Job Responsibilities

• Set up and validate manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions for production

• Support equipment integration into manufacturing processes, ensuring production readiness and meeting basic performance targets

• Work directly with production teams to ensure processes are ready for launch and ramp

• Support pilot builds; troubleshoot issues and implement fixes on the floor

• Establish and maintain standard work, line balance, and takt time

• Drive continuous improvement in cost, quality, and efficiency with guidance from senior team members

• Partner with Quality to implement error-proofing and process controls before production

• Maintain accurate process documentation through launch and early production

• Assist in ensuring equipment and process readiness, including safety, ergonomics, and run-at-rate capability

• Collaborate with Tooling and Maintenance to support preventive maintenance activities based on process needs

• Support process capability activities (MSA, studies, control plans)

• Collaborate across teams to keep production running smoothly

• Track and support improvement of key production metrics such as scrap, downtime, and throughput

• Analyze production data to identify issues and recommend process improvements

• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, A3)

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required

• 2+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing, engineering, or a related field (internships, co-ops, or hands-on project experience strongly considered)

• Exposure to manufacturing environments such as automation, assembly, or high-volume production

• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles

• Familiarity with quality systems such as PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and basic capability analysis

• Knowledge of IATF/PPAP processes is a plus

• Exposure to data analysis tools and willingness to develop data-driven decision-making skills

Skills & Competencies

• Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude and problem-solving capability

• Analytical mindset with ability to translate complex manufacturing challenges into practical solutions

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment

• Effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams

• Proactive, self-starter mentality with a continuous improvement mindset

• Strong attention to detail with disciplined approach to execution and documentation

• Demonstrated curiosity and drive for learning, development, and innovation

• Ability to influence and lead without formal authority in a team-oriented environment