Kaspar Wire Works: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description:

  • Are you a problem solver who enjoys using science to develop creative practical solutions? 
  • Does working for a family-centric organization based in a small-town environment appeal to you?  
  • Do the values of stewardship, versatility, and family resonate strongly with you? 
  • Do you find the improvement of people’s lives through stewardship of God-given resources inspiring? 

Then Kaspar Companies is for you!   

Primary Function: 

The Manufacturing Engineer position is responsible for creating more effective ways to improve manufacturing capabilities and capacity.  

Position Responsibilities (including but not limited to): 

  • Assist manufacturing in increasing FTE by reducing touch time, integrating automation, implementing quality at the source, and developing standard operating procedures 
  • Determine root causes of failures using statistical methods and recommend changes in the process. 
  • Utilize metal fabrication, welding, and other expertise to implement mistake proofing control methods to increase quality, productivity and reduce costs of manufacturing 
  • Work closely with design engineering to ensure new products are designed for manufacturability 
  • Create SOPs for all critical equipment along with manufacturing processes 
  • Implement safety opportunities on machinery and equipment. 
  • Support equipment acquisition, installation, and maintenance by coordinating with internal maintenance and external vendors 
  • Participate in GEMBA walks and kaizen events 
  • Identify waste in production cells that can be improved upon to meet required TAKT time.  
  • All other duties assigned by management 

Skills: 

  • Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken formats 
  • Experience implementing lean work cells in a manufacturing environment 
  • Ability to optimize fabrication equipment, tool design experience 
  • Experience with turret punch presses, press brakes, tube bender, laser cutting, and welding automation a plus. 
  • Must have superb problem-solving skills and attention to detail 
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize both daily issues and strategic projects 
  • Must have high aptitude for mechanics 
  • Ability to work closely with department supervision and production workers 

Qualifications: 

  • BS in Engineering (industrial or mechanical preferred) 
  • 2+ years of experience in a Manufacturing Engineering role  
  • Lean Trained – certification a plus 
  • Metal working industry experience 
  • Experience in SolidWorks and with CAM software such as Master CAM, AP100US, FabriWin, BendPro, ProNest, Steel Solutions 
  • MS Office Applications (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook, etc…) proficiency required 
  • Must possess current and valid driving record with clear history for the past three years 

Physical Requirements: 

  • Extended periods of sitting and/or walking (33% – 75% of time) 
  • Stooping, bending, twisting, leaning (10% – 25% of time) 
  • Lifting of up to 25 lbs. occasionally (0% – 33% of time) 

Work Environment: 

  • Frequent work in a manufacturing environment where the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, hearing protection and safety shoes is mandatory