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Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Portland, TN (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$106K - $131K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the manufacturing engineering function to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production of Hayward's residential and commercial ...

Showing results 41-60

Manufacturing Engineer information

See Portland, TN salary details

$43.1K

$77.7K

$108.9K

How much do manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing engineer in Portland, TN is $77,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $85,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manufacturing engineer?

A manufacturing engineer is a specialized engineer who improves product manufacturing processes. As a manufacturing engineer, your primary duties are to design and develop production systems and improve the tools and systems within the manufacturing process. You will use computer software such as CAD to create, modify, and test the products and manufacturing processes.

What are some common challenges a manufacturing engineer faces in optimizing production processes?

Manufacturing Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing efficiency with product quality, minimizing production costs while maintaining safety standards, and implementing new technologies without disrupting existing workflows. They may also need to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and coordinate with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and maintenance, to resolve issues quickly. Staying up-to-date with industry advancements and continuous improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma is essential to overcoming these challenges and driving process enhancements.

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

To thrive as a Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and quality control, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and experience with automation systems are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you effectively collaborate and drive continuous improvement. These abilities ensure efficient production processes, cost reduction, and high product quality in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectManufacturing EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering; certifications like CMfgEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, manufacturing facilitiesDesign offices, research labs, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, industrial sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, energy, product design

Manufacturing Engineers focus on optimizing production processes and workflows within manufacturing environments, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Manufacturing Engineers are more involved in process improvement and production efficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers often work on product design and mechanical system development.

How much do manufacturing engineers earn?

Manufacturing engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can increase with advanced skills, certifications, and managerial responsibilities.

What cities near Portland, TN are hiring for Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities near Portland, TN with the most Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Portland, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,704 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer-Coatings/Finishing

NIC Global

Gallatin, TN • On-site

$75K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


NIC Global rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Owns the technical process design, standardization, and continuous improvement of coatings and finishing operations (e.g., paint, powder coat, chemical processing) across all NIC Global locations, including assessment of outsourced coatings suppliers. Serves as the process authority for finishing methods, standard work, equipment/material specifications, and performance metrics, while partnering closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and IT/OT to ensure safe, efficient, and repeatable finishing processes. This role provides technical and environmental compliance oversight and support across these functional areas but does not assume day-to-day ownership of production output, maintenance execution, quality disposition, or local plant engineering responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

  • Develops, documents, and maintains standard work, process specifications, and best practices for coatings and finishing processes across all applicable NIC Global locations and production lines.
  • Defines process performance metrics (e.g., throughput, first-pass yield, rework, scrap, downtime) and guides the development of dashboards to communicate performance trends to stakeholders.
  • Partners with Maintenance to define required preventive maintenance (PM) tasks and frequency for coatings/finishing equipment; supports execution planning without owning maintenance delivery.
  • Assists with inventory and asset management for coatings/finishing consumables, chemicals, and equipment in coordination with Supply Chain/Procurement.
  • Provides environmental compliance oversight for coatings/finishing processes (e.g., emissions, waste streams, chemical handling), working with external environmental partners; supports plant-level execution without owning day-to-day delivery.
  • Serves as the primary technical liaison to coatings/finishing suppliers and leads assessments of outsourced coatings providers, including qualification, audits, and performance evaluation.
  • Leads overall process design for new and existing coatings/finishing applications, including process flow, line layout, equipment specification, and PFMEA risk assessments.
  • Conducts periodic process audits to verify adherence to standard work and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
  • Collaborates with Controls and Automation and IT/OT teams on integration planning, automation, and technology upgrades for coatings/finishing processes.
  • Provides process-related technical feedback to support quoting activities and New Product Introduction (NPI), including feasibility assessment, cycle time estimates, and capital/tooling requirements.
  • Identifies, organizes, and leads cross-functional teams to resolve coatings/finishing process and product issues, applying lean principles and root cause problem-solving methods.
  • This job description reflects the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. Additional duties and responsibilities may be required, based upon business needs, at any time with or without notice.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Bio-Systems, Environmental, Mechanical, Materials, or related field) from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of formal education, on-the-job training, and/or work experience.
  • 2 to 5 years of relevant experience in coatings, finishing, or chemical treatment processes within a manufacturing environment preferred;
  • However, exceptional recent graduates with relevant coursework, co-op, or internship experience will be considered.
  • Strong Lean Manufacturing background; Six Sigma certification helpful.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel & PowerPoint) skills.
  • A high level of creativity and latitude is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to lift 25lbs with or without accommodations. Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and work near coatings/finishing chemicals, equipment, and associated environments.


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