Manufacturing Project Engineer

Job Description

Role: Manufacturing Project Engineer

Location: San Antonio, TX

Duration: 10-month contract with possible extension (1–2 years)

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Project Engineer (Onsite) will play a critical role in driving manufacturing improvements aimed at increasing throughput and significantly reducing equipment and process downtime. This role requires hands-on engineering support, mechanical design capability, and strong coordination with offshore engineering teams to deliver effective, scalable, and robust manufacturing solutions. The position supports productivity, operational efficiency, tooling capability, and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities within the plant environment.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design and Engineering Support

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define technical and operational requirements for manufacturing improvement projects
• Develop or obtain CAD models, detailed drawings, and technical specifications for tools, fixtures, and process enhancements
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation of engineered solutions prior to deployment
• Coordinate with local vendors for fabrication, manufacturing, and implementation of designed solutions
• Provide engineering expertise for custom tooling, fixtures, and plant-specific solutions
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities with a focus on manufacturability and tooling readiness

Project Coordination and Communication

• Serve as the primary onsite liaison between client stakeholders and offshore engineering teams
• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple small, medium, and large-scale projects simultaneously
• Track project milestones and ensure timely deployment of solutions
• Provide weekly project status updates, progress reports, and technical documentation to stakeholders
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across global teams and time zones
• Analyze equipment and process downtime data to identify root causes and propose corrective solutions
• Support initiatives focused on improving standard work, operational procedures, and on-the-job training

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production engineering, or process improvement roles
• Proficiency in CAD software for mechanical design and documentation
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, fixture design, and shop-floor operations
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with the ability to deliver practical solutions under tight timelines
• Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills in cross-functional and global environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive or heavy vehicle manufacturing environments
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies

Key Competencies

• Strong technical expertise in mechanical design and manufacturing optimization
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize work effectively
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage stakeholders and collaborate across teams

Work Schedule

• On-site presence required Monday through Thursday, 5:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Meetings may be scheduled after regular shift hours (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
• Occasional Friday or Saturday work may be required to support major cutovers, installations, or critical activities