Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Nebraska

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Drive the Future of Manufacturing at Klute

Klute is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to help shape the future of our manufacturing operations. This highly visible role blends manufacturing engineering with continuous improvement, giving you the opportunity to design processes, evaluate and implement new equipment, lead facility expansion projects, and improve operational performance across the organization.

Working closely with ownership and cross-functional teams, you'll identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and throughput while helping Klute prepare for its next phase of growth. If you enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges, managing capital projects, and building smarter processes, we'd love to meet you.

If you're passionate about solving problems, managing equipment buys and installs, eliminating waste, and helping teams perform at their highest level, we'd love to talk with you.

Primary Purpose and Function

Lead production improvement and construction efforts throughout the organization by analyzing processes, identifying solutions, and implementing equipment and processes that enhance operational performance, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Improvement

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, improve workflow, and increase productivity. 
• Develop standardized work instructions and implement process improvements that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency. 
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis to eliminate waste and improve operational performance. 

Capital Projects & Equipment

• Evaluate, specify, purchase, and implement manufacturing equipment and tooling. 
• Lead equipment installations, facility expansions, and production line improvements from concept through commissioning. 
• Develop capital justifications, ROI analyses, and project timelines. 

Plant & Facility Engineering

• Design production layouts using CAD to optimize material flow and manufacturing efficiency. 
• Support future facility expansion, building improvements, and infrastructure planning. 
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, and engineering partners during projects. 

Manufacturing Engineering Support

• Partner with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality to solve manufacturing challenges. 
• Support new product introductions by developing routings, tooling, and manufacturing processes. 
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and recommend long-term engineering solutions. 

Data & Continuous Improvement

• Develop KPIs and analyze production data to identify opportunities for improvement. 
• Lead Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and process improvement initiatives. 
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. 

Technology & Future Growth

• Evaluate new manufacturing technologies, automation, and software solutions. 
• Support ERP, MES, and shop floor technology implementations. 
• Research emerging fabrication technologies that improve productivity and position Klute for long-term growth.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or related field (or equivalent manufacturing experience). 
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering or heavy manufacturing experience. 
• Experience leading manufacturing process improvements. 
• Experience managing capital equipment projects. 
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar CAD software. 
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills. 

Preferred

• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience (certification preferred but not required). 
• Structural steel or metal fabrication experience. 
• Experience implementing manufacturing software, ERP, MES, or automation. 
• Familiarity with AWS, AISC, OSHA, or industrial manufacturing standards.

Why Klute?

• Join a rapidly growing leader in the substation steel industry
• Make a measurable impact on company-wide performance and future growth
• Collaborate directly with leadership on strategic initiatives
• Opportunity to build and shape a culture of continuous improvement
• Family-owned company with a strong commitment to innovation and employee development

At Klute, we believe there is always a better way. We're looking for someone who shares that mindset and is excited to help us build the next chapter of operational excellence.

  Physical Demands

• Ability to move between office and production environments throughout the day
• Standing and walking in manufacturing areas as needed
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds
• Ability to view computer monitors and analyze data for extended periods