Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Description

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving manufacturing processes that support safe, efficient, and scalable operations. This role works closely with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Maintenance to successfully introduce new products, improve existing processes, increase capacity, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.

The successful candidate is a self-motivated, hands-on problem solver who is comfortable working both on the manufacturing floor and with technical data. They can manage multiple priorities, work independently with limited supervision, and drive projects through completion while collaborating effectively across functions.

This position requires strong analytical skills, proficiency with manufacturing data and statistical analysis, and experience using MRP/ERP systems to improve production planning, inventory accuracy, and shop-floor execution. A continuous improvement mindset, sound engineering judgment, and a focus on practical, sustainable solutions are essential for success in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Process Engineering & Improvement

• Design, document, and continuously improve manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, productivity, capacity, and cost performance. 
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and root cause problem-solving methodologies. 
• Develop and maintain standard work, work instructions, process documentation, and engineering change implementation. 
• Optimize equipment utilization, labor efficiency, material flow, and process capability across manufacturing operations. 
• Support production scalability through capacity planning and process improvements that enable business growth. 

Automation & Systems Design

• Evaluate, design, and implement automation and manufacturing systems that improve safety, quality, productivity, and throughput. 
• Design manufacturing workstations, production layouts, tooling, and equipment to optimize efficiency and support safer ergonomic practices.
• Lead equipment specification, procurement, installation, commissioning, and validation activities. 
• Partner with Operations and IT to improve ERP/MRP integration, manufacturing data collection, and shop-floor system performance. 
• Identify and implement emerging technologies that deliver measurable operational improvements. 

Quality Assurance & Maintenance 

• Develop robust manufacturing processes and controls that consistently produce products meeting quality and regulatory requirements. 
• Lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions to improve process performance. 
• Establish process capability, error-proofing methods, and performance monitoring to improve first-pass yield and reduce defects. 
• Partner with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). 
• Monitor manufacturing performance and recommend data-driven process improvements. 

Product Development & Manufacturing Readiness

• Partner with Product Development to ensure products are designed for manufacturability, assembly, quality, and cost. 
• Lead manufacturing readiness activities, including process development, tooling, fixtures, documentation, and production trials. 
• Identify manufacturing risks early and implement mitigation plans to ensure successful product launches. 
• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and the timely implementation of product and process changes. 
• Collaborate across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Purchasing to deliver successful new product introductions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred. 
• Minimum of five years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment. 
• Experience supporting process improvement, new product introduction, tooling and fixture design, and manufacturing process development. 
• Experience with machining, fabrication, assembly, automation, and manufacturing equipment. 
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and with external equipment suppliers. 

Technical Skills:

• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and statistical process control. 
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing data analysis. 
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing documentation. 
• Knowledge of process validation, process capability, PFMEA, and control plans. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools. 
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software preferred.

Professional Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical, data-driven solutions. 
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance. 
• Ability to work independently while building strong relationships across departments. 
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement. 
• Ability to lead projects and influence change without direct authority. 
• Hands-on approach with a willingness to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor. 
• Commitment to promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Values and Traits:

• Independent thinker who embraces new ideas and pushes boundaries.
• Strong alignment with STARC's core values: Team Aligned, Safety Focused, Committed, Innovative & Growth Oriented.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate challenges and implement practical solutions.
• Goal-oriented, focused on creating great products and driving company growth.
• Perspective-driven, balancing business, customer, and employee goals while fostering a positive, inspiring work environment.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term safety initiatives with day-to-day operational needs. 
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, coach, and inspire employees at all levels. 
• Effective communicator capable of delivering clear, engaging training and presenting recommendations to leadership. 
• Collaborative partner who builds trust across departments and fosters shared ownership of workplace safety. 
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to lead change and continuously improve safety performance. 

Base Compensation Range: $87,000.00 - $93,000.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at STARC Systems.  

Benefits and Work Schedule: 

STARC Systems offers a competitive benefits package designed to support employees and their families. The benefits listed below are intended to provide a general summary and are not intended to be a complete list of all benefits, programs, eligibility requirements, plan terms, conditions, or limitations. 

• Onsite work 
• Medical insurance plan options 
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options 
• Employer HSA contribution for eligible employees enrolled in an HSA-compatible plan 
• Dental insurance 
• Vision insurance 
• Basic life and AD&D insurance 
• Voluntary life and AD&D insurance options 
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance 
• Voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance options 
• Employee Assistance Program resources 
• Virtual care resources 
• Paid time off and company holidays 
• 401(k) retirement plan