Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Georgia

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support development, optimization, and continuous improvement of our composite manufacturing processes, tooling, and production systems with hands-on involvement.

The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with practical manufacturing experience to be able to manage multiple engineering projects and priorities. This person will work closely with engineering, technicians, production, quality, and suppliers to translate engineering designs and changes into robust, repeatable, and efficient manufacturing processes.

This is a hands-on engineering position. The engineer should expect to spend meaningful time on the manufacturing floor, working with technicians, troubleshooting processes, evaluating prototypes, and implementing improvements—not exclusively working at a desk.

Key Responsibilities

·         Develop, improve, and document composite manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, gauges, and assembly methods.

·         Review drawings, specifications, tolerances, and GD&T for manufacturability.

·         Use CAD software to create or modify parts, assemblies, fixtures, and manufacturing tooling.

·         Create and maintain ECRs, One-Point Lessons, process specs, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria.

·         Lead engineering trials, production launches, engineering changes, and process validation.

·         Evaluate manufacturing methods, materials, equipment, and suppliers.

·         Troubleshoot defects, dimensional issues, process variation, equipment problems, and assembly failures using structured root-cause analysis.

·         Use data and engineering analysis to reduce scrap, rework, cycle time, cost, and variation.

·         Apply SPC and measurement data to monitor stability, identify trends, and drive manufacturing improvements.

·         Support capability studies, gauge R&R reviews, and validation of production measurement systems.

·         Collaborate with production, technicians, operators, Quality Engineering, and suppliers to implement improvements.

·         Train production personnel on new processes, tooling, work instructions, and engineering changes.

Required Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.

·         Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and manufacturing processes.

·         Ability to read engineering drawings, GD&T, and dimensional tolerancing.

·         Experience with CAD software; AutoCAD, Siemens NX and/or SolidWorks strongly preferred.

·         Experience in manufacturing, production, assembly, machining, fabrication, or similar environments.

·         Ability to perform structured root-cause analysis and problem solving.

·         Familiarity with DOE, FMEA, 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa analysis, SPC, and other quality/problem-solving methods.

·         Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements.

·         Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, Control Plans, and MSA preferred.

·         Experience with inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMMs, and optical systems.

·         Experience with SPC, capability studies, MSA, and gauge R&R concepts.

·         Familiarity with gauges, transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, and calibration practices.

·         Basic knowledge of sensors, data collection, and process monitoring.

·         Strong communication skills, including shop-floor training, meeting facilitation, and cross-functional interaction.

Preferred Qualifications

·         Experience with composite materials and automotive/aerospace manufacturing environments.

·         Experience designing manufacturing fixtures, jigs, gauges, or tooling.

·         Experience with 3D printing/additive manufacturing.

·         Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement.

·         Experience in low-volume/high-mix or highly engineered manufacturing.

Experience

·         [2-5] years of relevant manufacturing/mechanical engineering experience preferred.

·         Candidates with strong mechanical fundamentals and hands-on project, prototype, or manufacturing experience may be considered.

Mayco International and Affiliate Companies is a fast growing, technologically driven manufacturing company. Our culture is built upon our values of vision, integrity, pride, and family. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are looking for awesome individuals to join our growing team at SMI Composites!

SMI Composites is at the forefront of incorporating innovative composite technologies into the automotive industry. We work with our customers to explore and develop the best possible composite solutions for their new and existing programs, with multiple quality assurance checkpoints and on-time delivery.