Manufacturing Engineer

Purpose

The Manufacturing Engineer role supports the manufacturing of SwapLoader hook-lift systems and related truck-mounted equipment through process improvement, quality engineering, tooling design, and manufacturing optimization.

This role will serve as a technical subject matter expert for SwapLoader products by developing a deep understanding of product design, manufacturing processes, assembly methods, hydraulic systems, and field performance. Additionally, this role will support initiatives that improve safety, quality, manufacturability, reliability, and customer satisfaction while supporting the resolution of complex product and warranty concerns.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Tooling, Fixtures, & Production Improvements (40%)

Design, develop, and implement weld fixtures, assembly fixtures, jigs, tooling, and manufacturing aids.

Design and improve material handling systems, carts, lifting devices, storage solutions, and workstations.

Manage tooling and equipment improvement projects from concept through implementation.

Collaborate with production teams to improve ergonomics, safety, quality, and productivity.

Work with vendors and internal teams to source and deploy tooling and production equipment.

Quality Engineering (20%)

Execute quality improvement projects involving welded structures, hydraulic systems, machined components, and final assembly. Investigate manufacturing defects, weld quality concerns, hydraulic performance issues, warranty claims, and customer feedback.

Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective actions using structured problem-solving methods and advanced tools, including CMM (Faro) inspection.

Develop process controls, inspection plans, and quality standards.

Monitor and report quality metrics related to reliability, dimensional accuracy, weld quality, and hydraulic performance.

Partner with Engineering and Production to improve manufacturability and reduce recurring issues.

Product Reliability and Field Support (15%)

Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of all SwapLoader products, including welded structures, hydraulic systems, mechanical assemblies, installation methods, and field operation.

Serve as the primary technical resource for investigating product, manufacturing, assembly, and warranty-related concerns.

Travel to customer, dealer, and distributor locations as needed to evaluate field failures and diagnose root causes.

Facilitate investigations involving structural weldments, hydraulic systems, mechanical assemblies, and product performance concerns.

Coordinate corrective actions between Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Service teams.

Analyze warranty trends and field performance data to identify opportunities for product and process improvements.

Communicate findings, recommendations, and corrective actions to internal and external stakeholders.

Process Optimization (15%)

Improve welding, powder coat, and final assembly processes to support safety, quality, capacity, and efficiency.

Develop standardized work instructions and manufacturing methods.

Analyze production flow, layouts, and labor utilization to improve throughput and reduce waste.

Additional Support and Special Projects (10%)

Coordinate with Product Engineering regarding manufacturability, tolerances, inspection criteria, and new product launches.

Participate in audits, continuous improvement events, and special projects.

Additional duties may be assigned to meet organizational goals and priorities. Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity, may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing, to meet organizational goals and priorities.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field required.

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing or a related industry.

Computer Skills: Excellent PC skills required.

Other Requirements:

Strong working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints.

Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Mechanical aptitude with ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.

Knowledge of life-safety practices and environmental compliance regulations.

Ability to work effectively under pressure, exercise good judgment, and manage multiple priorities.

Core Competencies

Technical Skills: Proficiently uses job-specific tools, systems, and procedures to perform tasks effectively.

Analysis: Breaks down complex information to identify patterns, relationships, and root causes.

Judgment: Makes sound decisions by evaluating facts, risks, and potential outcomes.

Responsibility: Takes ownership of actions, tasks, and outcomes; follows through on commitments.

Communication: Communicates effectively verbally and in writing, producing clear, concise, and professional content and adapting style to audience and setting.

Working Arrangement

This role will work 100% onsite at our Des Moines, IA headquarters.

Physical Demands

Medium: Exerting 20 to 50 lbs of force occasionally and/or 10 -25 lbs force frequently and/or up to 10 lbs of force constantly. Physical demand requirements are greater than that required for Light Work.

To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks with or with or without a reasonable accommodation:

Hearing – must be able to discern warning sounds and spoken language – Frequently

Talking – Frequently

Vision: Continuously

Walking – Frequently

Balancing - maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching, sitting, standing, etc. – Constantly

Repetitive Motions - Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. – Occasionally

Sitting/Standing – must be able to sit or stand as required for extended periods of time. – Frequently

Stooping – bending at the waist – Occasionally

Climbing - ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles etc. – Occasionally

Rotation in standing: Occasionally

Elevated work: Rarely

Floor to waist vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs

Waist to chest vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs

Horizontal carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 10 feet

One hand carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 10 feet

Push horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs

Pull horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs

One hand pull right hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft

One hand pull left hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft

Left hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 50 lbs, Occasionally up to 65 lbs

Right hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 50 lbs, Occasionally up to 65 lbs

Squatting: Occasionally

Kneeling: Occasionally

Static postures: Occasionally to Frequently

Reaching: Occasionally

Crouching: Occasionally

Capacity to think, concentrate and focus for long periods of time– Frequently

Ability to read complex documents in the English language– Frequently

Capacity to reason and make sound decisions– Frequently

Ability to write complex documents in the English language– Frequently

Capacity to express thoughts orally– Frequently

Expertise in:

Ability to regularly perform all job functions at company office or worksite

Ability to withstand environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, noises. Etc.

Ability to wear personal protective equipment as required