Manufacturing Jobs in Rutherfordton, NC (NOW HIRING)

About the job
Company Description
Since 1986, Key Gas Components has been a trusted leader in supplying high-quality gas fittings, valves, orifices, manifolds, shut-off valves, and connectors to manufacturers and distributors. As a US-owned and operated company, we offer a comprehensive range of manufacturing services tailored to the gas train industry and beyond. Our capabilities include custom copper and steel tubing assemblies, CNC machining, and screw machined components. We are dedicated to delivering reliable products and solutions with a commitment to quality and innovation.
Position Summary
Key Gas Components, Inc. is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support and improve manufacturing operations across the plant. This role will report directly to the Plant Manager and will be responsible for developing manufacturing methods, designing tooling and fixtures, solving technical production issues, supporting preventative maintenance efforts, and assisting production wherever needed.
The ideal candidate will have strong practical experience in machining and manufacturing processes, including turning, milling, brazing, assembly, tube bending, and specialized manufacturing operations. Experience with Davenport screw machines, trunnion machining centers, dial-index machining centers, or similar high-production equipment is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
• Design and develop tools, fixtures, work holding, gauges, and other manufacturing aids to improve quality, efficiency, repeatability, and safety.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems on the production floor related to machining, brazing, assembly, tube bending, and other manufacturing processes.
• Develop, improve, and document methods of manufacture, including process steps, tooling requirements, setup procedures, and best practices.
• Support turning, milling, screw machining, brazing, tube bending, assembly, and specialized operations as needed.
• Work closely with the Plant Manager, supervisors, operators, maintenance personnel, and quality team to support daily production requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce scrap, improve quality, reduce downtime, and increase overall equipment effectiveness.
• Assist with machine setups, process development, first-piece troubleshooting, and production launch support.
• Provide technical support for Davenport screw machines, trunnion or dial-index machining centers, and other production equipment where applicable.
• Oversee and support the plant's preventative maintenance efforts, including coordination, scheduling, follow-up, and continuous improvement of PM activities.
• Help diagnose equipment issues and coordinate corrective actions with internal maintenance resources or outside vendors.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for production, quality, and equipment-related issues.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and recommend improvements in tooling, equipment, workflow, safety, and cost.
• Create or maintain manufacturing documentation, including setup sheets, work instructions, tooling lists, PM records, and process notes.
• Support production in whatever capacity is needed to meet customer, quality, safety, and delivery requirements.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a manufacturing, machining, or production engineering environment.
• Strong working knowledge of machining processes, including turning, milling, work holding, tooling, feeds and speeds, setup methods, and process troubleshooting.
• Experience with brazing, assembly processes, tube bending, or related manufacturing operations preferred.
• Experience with Davenport screw machines, trunnion machining centers, dial-index machining centers, rotary transfer machines, or other high-production machining equipment strongly preferred.
• Ability to design practical tooling, fixtures, and work holding solutions for production use.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to solve technical problems in a fast-paced production environment.
• Experience supporting preventative maintenance programs and equipment reliability improvements.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, specifications, and work instructions.
• Familiarity with CAD software preferred.
• Knowledge of quality systems, root cause analysis, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement practices preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with operators, supervisors, managers, maintenance, and quality personnel.
• Willingness to be hands-on and support production wherever needed.
Desired Attributes
• Hands-on, practical problem solver.
• Comfortable working directly on the shop floor.
• Strong sense of urgency and ownership.
• Able to balance engineering projects with daily production support.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and safety-minded.
• Collaborative team player who can communicate well with both technical and non-technical employees.
• Resourceful and willing to learn specialized equipment and processes.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
• Ability to work in a manufacturing plant environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and work around production equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.
• Must follow all safety policies, procedures, and plant rules.
• Use of required personal protective equipment in designated areas.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Key Gas Components, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package, including [insert benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, etc.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Key Gas Components, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.