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Associate Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Kinston, NC

Airbus

Assembly Specialist Mfg Manager

Kinston, NC · On-site

Interfaces with engineering, management, suppliers, and customers to meet product requirements and ... Associate or Bachelor's Degree * Experience developing and managing a statement of work on time and ...

Fortune Brands

Controls Engineer

New Bern, NC

$70K - $110K/yr

Provide guidance and technical solutions for Engineering and Manufacturing initiatives, projects ... At Fortune Brands, we support the overall health and wellness of our associates by offering ...

Fortune Brands

Controls Engineer

New Bern, NC · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Provide guidance and technical solutions for Engineering and Manufacturing initiatives, projects ... At Fortune Brands, we support the overall health and wellness of our associates by offering ...

TriEst Ag Group, Inc.

Plant Coordinator

Greenville, NC

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Operations Management, Agriculture, Manufacturing, or a related field (preferred) * Previous supervisory, team lead ...

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All JobsAssociate Manufacturing Engineer JobsAssociate Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Kinston, NC

Associate Manufacturing Engineer information

See Kinston, NC salary details

$11

$19

$31

How much do associate manufacturing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate manufacturing engineer in Kinston, NC is $19.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by an associate manufacturing engineer during process improvements?

As an Associate Manufacturing Engineer, one of the main challenges is balancing the need for efficiency improvements with maintaining product quality and safety standards. You may encounter resistance to change from production teams who are accustomed to existing processes, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, troubleshooting equipment or workflow issues often demands quick, analytical thinking and adaptability, especially when working under tight production deadlines. Overcoming these challenges offers valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving abilities and gain hands-on experience with lean manufacturing principles.

What is the difference between Associate Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectAssociate Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting manufacturing processes, assisting senior engineersDesign, optimize, and oversee manufacturing processes independently
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, production facilities, industrial companiesManufacturing firms, automotive, aerospace, electronics industries

The main difference is experience and responsibility level. Associate Manufacturing Engineers typically support and assist in manufacturing processes, while Manufacturing Engineers take on more independent roles in designing and improving production systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are common in manufacturing industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate manufacturing engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process improvement, and manufacturing methodologies, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, Lean Manufacturing tools, and quality management systems (such as Six Sigma) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient production processes, high product quality, and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams.
What cities near Kinston, NC are hiring for Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs? Cities near Kinston, NC with the most Associate Manufacturing Engineer job openings:
Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Kinston, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,472 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer

West Pharmaceutical Services

Kinston, NC • On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

West Pharmaceutical Services rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

At West, we're a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West's indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?
There's no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.
We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.
Job Summary
Initiate the application of manufacturing systems as well as maintain and enhance current systems in the manufacturing process to improve process control and finished goods quality while maintaining high standards of quality and safety on all phases. Provide technical support to manufacturing. Work with facilities and main customers in a Six Sigma approach to deliver vision specifications of the future.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Apply and support lean manufacturing initiatives, identifying reduction opportunities through process improvements, tuning of configurations, or other strategies. Improve the speed and reliability of vision system change-overs.
  • Ability to specify, test and design machine systems and components, including the ability to write and revise software configurations.
  • Assume full responsibility for various engineering projects as assigned, allowing the achievement of maximizing output and / or minimizing cost by either the implementation of new equipment and / or methods or the improvement of existing equipment and / or methods.
  • Plan, schedule, and perform project or sub-project details; follow-up on new and revised improvements to assure proper implementation.
  • Operate within approved time schedules and project budgets.
  • Coordinate the testing of new systems before release to production.
  • Consult and cooperate with corporate / customer / supplier personnel as authorized and required. Maintain effective communication and working relations.
  • Qualify equipment distributors and representatives for the procurement of evaluation samples and production resources.
  • Keep supervisor advised of any unusual situation, which might impair the progress, execution of final project objective so that they may act accordingly.
  • Maintain an awareness of "state of the art" technology as it applies to our industry. Take part in educational programs pertinent to process projects.
  • Instruct and train West Pharmaceutical Services personnel in the use of any special equipment that may be required for project completion.
  • Provide engineering guidance to assure plant, machinery, and processes are optimized
  • Assist cross functional support groups identify electrical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic design modifications.
  • Conduct any activities with established policies and corporate objectives.
  • Fully define projects via specifications or drawings before releasing to a vendor.
  • All other duties as required

Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Science, Engineering, or related field preferred
  • Associates Degree requried
  • Equivalent experience in manufacturing engineering discipline required

Work Experience
  • Minimum 3 years related experience required

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Able to be aware of all relevant SOPs as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description
  • Support and contribute in Lean Sigma programs and activities towards delivery of the set target
  • Application skills utilizing latest software, hardware and vision technology
  • Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing experience with four (4) years of practical application a plus.
  • Able to comply with the company's safety and quality policies at all times

Travel Requirements
10%: Up to 26 business days per year
Physical Requirements
Sedentary-Exerting up to 10lbs/4kgs of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
Additional Requirements
  • Self-motivated and solution-oriented personality.
  • Excellent written and verbal skills.
  • Good communication, project management, and interpersonal skills.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Effective problem-solving skills.
  • Must wear safety toe shoes, safety goggles, and hearing protection, as required, in production areas.
  • Must follow and comply with Plant's Dress and Hygiene Code (SOI).
  • Must follow and comply with all Company and Plant policies, procedure (SOIs), rules and State and Federal laws

#LI-TH1
West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to Apply.Accommodation@westpharma.com. Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.

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