Advanced Manufacturing Engineer Co-op

JOB SUMMARY

The Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Co-Op provides hands-on experience supporting the design, development, and improvement of manufacturing processes for engineered-to-order industrial equipment. Working closely with experienced engineering and manufacturing professionals, the Co-Op will support initiatives focused on process optimization, tooling and fixture design, equipment layout, material flow, ergonomics, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

The role will also assist with manufacturing documentation, work instructions, capital equipment projects, root cause analysis, and the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles. This position offers the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a practical manufacturing environment while gaining firsthand experience with product design, fabrication, assembly, and manufacturing process development.

Pay: $25.00HR

Co-op term: Spring - Summer 2026

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Able to analyze existing production processes, identify work elements, time them & optimize balance. Area of focus to include assembly line flow, workstations design, ergonomics & material flows.

• Develop & design tooling, fixtures & simple equipment for new and existing products and processes.

• Develops innovative solutions to complex engineering and manufacturing production problems through identification and implementation of manufacturing process including conducting process analysis, applying knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling and materials, and soliciting observations from the operators/production technicians.

• Improves manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning work flow, space requirements, and equipment layout.

• Refines and enhances processes by applying continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing techniques to areas of production.

• Facilitates and supports visual management in a production environment.

• Evaluates capital equipment investments and prepare cost justifications. Designs and prepares concept drawings of new equipment or modifications to existing equipment. Writes equipment specifications for work with outside vendors. Manages the overall implementation of capital equipment projects.

• Identifies and implements solutions for issues relating to safety, quality, productivity, cost & delivery

• Assures product and process quality by designing testing methods, testing finished product and process capabilities, and establishing standards to confirm and validate manufacturing process requirements. Determines root cause of failure using statistical methods (e.g., design of experiment, SPC) that may result in changes in design, tolerances, or processing methods.

• Prepares documentation for new and existing processes and engineering procedures. Develops manufacturing work instructions, procedures, and standard work using through the use of engineering methods.

• Assists leadership team and others in performing work load analysis and resources optimization.

• Assures product and process quality by designing error proof mechanisms; establishing standards; and validating manufacturing processes.

• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong mechanical aptitude with an interest in manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and product design.

• Ability to analyze production processes, workflow, material flow, workstation layout, and operator activities to identify improvement opportunities.

• Basic understanding of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

• Ability to develop and design basic tooling, fixtures, workstations, and simple manufacturing equipment.

• Working knowledge of engineering design software such as Creo/Pro-E, AutoCAD, MasterCam, or similar tools.

• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes including fabrication, machining, assembly, and material handling.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to support root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Ability to collect, organize, and analyze production data to support process improvements and decision-making.

• Basic knowledge of statistical methods such as SPC, design of experiments, or similar quality tools is preferred.

• Ability to develop clear work instructions, standard work, process documentation, and engineering procedures.

• Basic understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.

• Ability to support equipment specifications, vendor coordination, and capital improvement projects.

• Basic working knowledge of controls and manufacturing equipment is preferred.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and production employees.

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery.

• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a hands-on approach to problem solving in a manufacturing environment.

Education

• Working towards BS degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field of engineering is preferred.

• Experience with Pro-E / Creo, AutoCad, and / or MasterCam is preferred

• Writing specification for complex equipment & working w/ vendors

• Ability to write work instructions & related documentation

• DFM preferred

• A basic working knowledge of controls

• A positive attitude & hands-on mentality