Associate Engineer Jobs in Jonesboro, AR (NOW HIRING)

Vaco is hiring for an Industrial Engineer opportunity in Osceola AR. Direct Hire, Onsite Salary: 70-130,000/yr GENERAL SUMMARY Responsible for driving organizational change and continuous improvement across Manufacturing and Distribution operations. This role supports plant leadership in producing and distributing higher-quality products with shorter lead times and reduced costs, while improving safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The Engineer develops and implements optimal manufacturing and shipping methods to position the company as a low-cost, high-performance producer in the marketplace. This role is responsible for supporting engineering projects, improving plant processes, and assisting in the execution of continuous improvement initiatives across multiple departments. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, quality improvement, safety, and delivery performance across manufacturing and distribution operations. Investigate, collect, and analyze plant data to identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements. Monitor plant processes, layouts, and workflows to identify opportunities for optimization in equipment, labor utilization, and material flow. Develop cost estimates, equipment justifications, and formal project reports for management review and approval. Support and track engineering and continuous improvement projects from feasibility through implementation to ensure successful completion. Assist in the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing processes that meet corporate objectives in safety, quality, cost, and delivery. Partner with vendors to obtain specifications, pricing, and technical requirements for new equipment and services. Apply lean manufacturing principles to improve production efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance operational performance. Provide technical support to manufacturing and distribution teams regarding processes, equipment, and operational improvements. Ensure plant assets, materials, and processes are effectively utilized and continuously improved. Stay current with advancements in manufacturing technologies, engineering methods, and industry best practices. Participate in cross-functional teams to support improvement projects across departments and plant locations. Support training and development of associate engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the engineering team. Assist in capital budgeting, compliance requirements, and project documentation for audits and operational readiness. Communicate project updates, technical findings, and recommendations to plant leadership and engineering management. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (required) Experience 0–7+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or distribution environments Experience supporting process improvement, project execution, or engineering initiatives KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Strong understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and plant operations Proficiency with analytical tools, computer applications, and data-driven decision-making Experience with lean manufacturing, process improvement, and cost reduction methodologies Strong project coordination and organizational skills with ability to work independently or with limited supervision Effective communication skills, both verbal and written Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and support engineering initiatives Willingness to learn and apply new manufacturing technologies and methods Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment Responsible for driving organizational change and continuous improvement across manufacturing and distribution operations to improve product quality, reduce lead times, lower costs, and enhance customer satisfaction and profitability. This role focuses on optimizing production and shipping methods to support low-cost operational performance and long-term business objectives. Key Responsibilities: • Monitor manufacturing processes, workflows, and plant layouts to identify continuous improvement, quality enhancement, cost reduction, and efficiency opportunities. • Investigate, collect, and analyze operational and production data to support process optimization and performance improvements. • Develop cost estimates, business cases, equipment justifications, and project reports for leadership approval and capital investment decisions. • Lead projects from feasibility, planning, and justification through implementation, ensuring timelines, objectives, and outcomes are achieved. • Design, develop, and implement manufacturing processes aligned with safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. • Partner with vendors to obtain specifications, evaluate equipment and services, and support procurement decisions. • Drive lean manufacturing and productivity initiatives to improve equipment performance, production efficiency, and operational output. • Lead or support cross-functional teams and collaborate closely with engineering, plant leadership, and shop floor personnel across multiple locations. • Mentor and train associate and mid-level engineers, supporting technical development and succession planning. • Communicate engineering solutions, process improvements, and new technologies effectively to plant personnel and leadership. • Support safe process and equipment design while maintaining high visibility with plant and executive leadership in a fast-paced environment. • Travel up to 10–20% as required. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required with 0–7+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or industrial environments. Strong project management, analytical, process improvement, and communication skills required, along with proficiency in engineering systems, plant operations, and mentoring junior engineers. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. Representation Notice By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. For residents of Ontario, Canada: Based on Highspring’s discussions with its Client, Highspring’s understanding is that this position for employment is a current vacancy (either through Highspring as a contractor or with the client directly). Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring’s use of AI can be found here (https://www.highspring.com/ai-use-notices/). Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client’s use of AI products in hiring. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.