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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering Jobs in North Carolina

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com ) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer A Manufacturing Engineer will support production operations ...

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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering information

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$13

$28

$46

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing engineering 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 assists in designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes and systems within a factory or plant. Their responsibilities often include supporting production lines, troubleshooting equipment or process issues, ensuring quality standards, and collaborating with other engineers or technicians. They may also help implement new technologies, gather data for process improvements, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. This role is typically supervised and provides opportunities to learn about manufacturing operations and engineering best practices.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities an entry level manufacturing engineer may be assigned in their first year?

As an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer, you can expect to work on projects such as process improvement initiatives, troubleshooting production issues, and assisting with the implementation of new equipment or technologies. You'll likely collaborate closely with experienced engineers, production supervisors, and quality teams to analyze workflows and suggest optimizations. Early responsibilities often include data collection, creating process documentation, and supporting the launch of new products to ensure smooth manufacturing operations. This hands-on exposure is valuable for building technical skills and understanding plant operations.

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 (typically mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing) and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control. Familiarity with CAD software, lean manufacturing principles, and ERP systems is often required, and certifications like Six Sigma Green Belt can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and address production challenges. These skills and qualifications are essential for optimizing manufacturing efficiency, ensuring product quality, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

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

AspectEntry Level Manufacturing EngineeringManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign, process improvement, and project planning in manufacturing settingsHands-on equipment operation and maintenance on the factory floor
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, engineering firmsFactories, production plants

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineers focus on designing processes and improving manufacturing systems, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Manufacturing Engineering job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,190 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

RFA Engineering

Sanford, NC • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 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
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.