Sr Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary  

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer serves as a key technical resource supporting air‑cooled chiller manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, resolving complex production issues, and supporting new product introductions across mechanical assembly, electrical integration, controls systems, and product testing.  

Working as an individual contributor, this is a hands-on, highly visible role that requires spending significant time on the production floor, working directly with operators, supervisors, and cross-functional teams to drive real-time problem resolution and continuous improvement. The role supports production ramp-up and increasing automation within the plant.  

Key Responsibilities 

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will balance technical engineering process management with heavy line-side plant support to ensure operational excellence. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:  

• Manufacturing Operations Support: Provide day-to-day engineering support for air-cooled chiller production operations. Lead the resolution of complex manufacturing issues involving mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, controls, and testing processes.  

• Line-Side Problem Resolution: Work directly with production supervisors, operators, maintenance, and quality teams to troubleshoot issues in real time on the factory floor. Identify and eliminate constraints impacting safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.  

• Process Development & Continuous Improvement: Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for mechanical assembly, electrical integration, and factory testing. Lead root cause investigations and continuous improvement initiatives to improve product quality, throughput, and efficiency.  

• Electrical & Controls Engineering: Troubleshoot control panels, wiring systems, sensors, actuators, and PLC-based systems. Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and controls documentation to resolve software and electrical-related production issues. Apply a working knowledge of PLCs  

• Mechanical Systems Support: Troubleshoot mechanical systems including refrigeration systems, piping, and structural assemblies. Improve assembly processes, tooling, fixtures, and material presentation while collaborating with Product Engineering to enhance manufacturability.  

• New Product Introduction (NPI): Support new product launches through process development, validation, and production readiness. Participate in design reviews and provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback.  

• Process Design & Factory Optimization: Analyze and design manufacturing processes and operations sequencing to ensure full utilization of equipment, improving factory layout, flow, and capacity.  

• Technical Leadership: Lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts to drive the resolution of manufacturing challenges. Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to junior engineers and production teams to build capability on the floor.  

Work Environment & Schedule Expectations 

• Location: Charlotte, NC – fully onsite.  

• Shift: First Shift (primary support for daytime production operations).  

• Overtime Flexibility: Positions offer straight-time overtime compensation. Candidates must have the schedule flexibility to work beyond 40 hours when necessary to support production needs.  

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or Engineering Technology field).  

• A minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.  

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience supporting electromechanical products in an assembly manufacturing environment.  

• Proven ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and bills of material.  

• Demonstrated troubleshooting experience across both mechanical and electrical systems. 

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering is strongly preferred to match senior technical expectations and target compensation structures.  

• Prior experience working in HVAC, heavy industrial equipment, automotive, or aerospace manufacturing environments.  

• Hands-on experience with PLCs, ladder logic, and implementing or supporting manufacturing automation equipment in a production setting.  

• Demonstrated knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma continuous improvement frameworks.  

• Strong collaborative communication skills with a proven tracking record of working smoothly alongside frontline production personnel and hourly workforces.