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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in North Carolina

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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer information

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$13

$28

$46

How much do entry level manufacturing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing engineer in North Carolina is $28.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.90 and $31.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level manufacturing engineer do?

An Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes within a production facility. They work closely with senior engineers and production teams to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in manufacturing operations. Typical tasks may include analyzing workflow, troubleshooting equipment issues, implementing process improvements, and supporting new product introductions. This role often involves hands-on problem solving and the use of engineering principles to ensure smooth and cost-effective manufacturing. Entry level engineers are also expected to learn company-specific processes and industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level manufacturing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering (usually mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing), strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and foundational knowledge of manufacturing processes. Familiarity with CAD software, ERP systems, and process improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma is highly valued. Effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and identifying process improvements. These skills and qualities are important because they enable engineers to optimize production efficiency, ensure product quality, and support continuous improvement in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level manufacturing engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level manufacturing engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production environments, learning to troubleshoot equipment issues quickly, and understanding complex manufacturing processes. Balancing hands-on problem solving with documentation and process improvement tasks can also be demanding. However, these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and are typically supported by mentorship from senior engineers and collaboration with cross-functional teams. As you gain experience, you'll become more confident in identifying inefficiencies and proposing solutions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectEntry Level Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, process improvement, and project planning in manufacturing settingsOperating machinery, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, engineering firms, production plantsFactories, production lines, manufacturing facilities

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineers focus on designing processes, improving efficiency, and supporting production planning, often requiring an engineering degree. Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in North Carolina are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in North Carolina?

For Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in North Carolina look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in NC?

For Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,190 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

Sanford, NC • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise.  We are seeking an entry-level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team.  The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes.  This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility in Sanford, NC.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer will support production operations, equipment implementation, process optimization, and new product introduction activities within a high-volume manufacturing environment. In this role, you will work closely with manufacturing, quality, operations, maintenance, safety, and engineering teams to improve productivity, enhance product quality, optimize facility utilization, and implement manufacturing process improvements.
 

Job Description

  • Provide technical support for assembly and manufacturing operations.
  • Troubleshoot production equipment, tooling, and process-related issues.
  • Support root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
  • Develop, document, and improve standard work instructions and manufacturing processes.
  • Assist with process, tooling, and equipment improvement initiatives.
  • Analyze production workflows and support line balancing and capacity improvement efforts.
  • Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and Engineering teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
  • Support new product introduction and continuous improvement projects.
  • Maintain engineering documentation, validation records, and process-related reports.
  • Provide hands-on support on the manufacturing floor to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 0-2 years of engineering experience, including internships or co-op experience.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and manufacturing fundamentals.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing equipment, tooling, and production processes.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

Desired Experience

  • Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with CAD software such as Creo and AutoCAD.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Quality Management Systems.
  • Project management experience.
  • PMP certification or equivalent project leadership experience.
  • Lean Certification such as Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
  • Experience supporting new product introduction programs.
  • Experience with manufacturing equipment specification, acquisition, and implementation.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Salary Range $60,000- $75,000/year commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits

  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly