Advanced Manufacturing / Manufacturing Engineer: Jobs Available

Tekna Inc. is seeking a manufacturing engineer for its Kalamazoo, Mich., operation.

Job Description
The primary purpose of this position is to develop and maintain robust, cost effective assembly processes and related documentation for use throughout the manufacturing facility, which is consistent with Tekna’s quality and manufacturing excellence goals and objectives. The manufacturing engineer's role at Tekna is to ensure Tekna’s internal and external customer expectations are met or exceeded.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential Job Functions
• Evaluate existing manufacturing lines including time studies, line layouts, component design, equipment, tools, fixturing, etc. to improve productivity, obtain cost reductions, and improve quality.
• Resolve manufacturing and supplier nonconformities with sound and long-lasting corrective actions.
• Work with suppliers to improve components, reduce cost, and correct problems.
• Provide technical expertise and support to manufacturing personnel.
• Write, update, and approve manufacturing processes.
• Train manufacturing processes.
• Assist in evaluation of personnel’s competency of manufacturing processes.
• Plan line layout and determine equipment requirements for new products.
• Review and approve drawings for new components and products.

Product testing
• Participate in risk management activities.
• Participate in internal and external audits
• Assist in evaluation and corrective action for returns and customer complaints.
• Assist with process validations
• Perform other functions as required

Position Qualifications
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Design Technology, or similar.

Minimum Experience
3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering role.

Specialized Knowledge
• Computer skills as required by stated accountabilities. Intermediate word-processing and spreadsheet skills.
• Excellent problem solving skills.  
• Solid knowledge of engineering fundamentals and a proven ability to apply this knowledge in manufacturing and new product development.  
• Familiarity with 21CFR820, ISO 13485, and ISO14971 is a plus.

Special Skills
Strong written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and solve conflicts. Intermediate skill level in Pro-E Wildfire.

Company Description
Tekna designs, develops and manufactures medical products for world class medical device companies. Tekna’s manufacturing and distribution capabilities allow it to complete the entire development process from concept to distribution. It is a small company on a growth path. Its quality management systems play a significant role in the development and realization of products. It ensures its success in part by complying with ISO13485 and FDA QSR.

Landscape Forms, Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for its business in Kalamazoo, Mich. This is a full-time position in manufacturing outdoor furniture for  public spaces.

Job Description

Landscape Forms has been designing and manufacturing high-quality commercial outdoor furniture in Kalamazoo since 1969. Landscape Forms is one of the 15 best small companies in the United States as awarded by the Wall Street Journal. The company believes that the right people are the key to our competitive advantage in the global marketplace. As it continues to grow, we have incredible opportunities for growth on its teams.
 
Summary

The focus of this position is to develop, implement, and maintain manufacturing processes for new and existing Core Team products. It is the responsibility of the person in this position to develop Standardized Work and tooling that allows optimization of Man, Method, and Material for the entire value stream. Also, it is the responsibility of the person in this position to recommend necessary changes and lead the projects as required to assure they are implemented.
 
Principal Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the principal accountabilities.
1. Operate within facility safety guidelines.
2. Prepare cost justification, quotes and proposals for new products and capital.
3. Responsible for production layouts, mfg. cycle times, and part quality.
4. Develop and implement work instructions, quality criteria, and other related standard work tools for associates.
5. Design production tooling and equipment and provide operator instruction.
6. Responsible for clear and accurate documentation and audit criteria for key process controls.
7. Collaborate with Engineers, designers, suppliers, tool builders, and associates for proto-types, new product launches, and specials requests.
8. Support Manufacturing objectives including but not limited to level production, Playbook development, cross training, and tooling preventative maintenance.
9. Facilitate problem resolution through troubleshooting and effective communication skills.
10 Responsible for meeting project deadlines, ordering equipment, and providing manufacturing support.

Desired Skills and Experience
Criteria for Success

Must have a history of achievement with an emphasis on problem solving and service developing manufacturing tooling and processes. Must have the desire to continuously improve and be willing to accept responsibility. Must be able to work in a team and build a network of relationships with a positive attitude.
 
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent skill level, training or experience in related field. Must demonstrate knowledge in the use of lean manufacturing and project management tools.

Experience working with GD&T is a plus, however, must be knowledgeable with tools used as part of a quality system such as PFMEA, Gage R&R, capability studies, tolerance stack-ups, standard deviation and the use of a CMM.

Must be knowledgeable in basic manufacturing equipment and their use including lathes, mills, plasma, welders, and presses.

Must be proficient in CAD and Microsoft office software.  Experience in metal fabrication, cellular manufacturing, and the properties of material used in site furniture such as steel, aluminum, wood, and plastics.
 
Must be knowledgeable in long-range planning and scheduling and ability to analyze data and compile detailed reports and/or budgets.

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed instructions and deal with problems involving concrete variables. 

The person in this position must possess a high level of communication and reasoning ability, as he or she is required to work with a variety disciplines and lead project teams.
 
Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Mostly office, but may be required to work in noisy or hot environment and around moving machinery. 

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to stand, sit, or walk for up to 5 hours.

Company Description
Landscape Forms is the leading designer and manufacturer of site furniture in North America. Landscape Forms is completely focused on site furniture. Our extensive offering of products includes transit shelters, benches, modular seating, chairs, tables, LED lighting, umbrellas, litter and recycling receptacles, ash urns, planters, bike racks and bollards. Studio 431, the company's custom division, offers the industry's premier custom product development. Landscape Forms partners with leading design professionals to create products that respond to evolving needs and conditions; to engineer and manufacture our products using cutting edge technology; and employ environmentally responsible materials and processes in our business.