Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 12:00 AM

At

Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the North America leader in heavy gauge thermoformed plastics. We are committed to delivering highly engineered, high quality material handling products and automotive accessories that reduce the weight and cost of traditional composite, fiberglass, wood and metal products, making this an opportunity to work in an innovative environment during an exciting growth phase. KFI is adding to their team in preparation to meet strategic growth plans for 2025!

The

Manufacturing Engineer works to drive operational excellence by optimizing manufacturing systems, implement LEAN methodologies, and support production teams. Works cross functionally to design, implement and refine manufacturing processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

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• Lead process improvement initiatives to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve product quality using LEAN and Six Sigma principles.
  
• Provide engineering support to thermoforming operations, including troubleshooting equipment, tooling, and process issues.
  
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation.
  
• Design, implement, and refine manufacturing processes with a focus on throughput, yield, and quality.
  
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Supply Chain) to identify and implement improvement opportunities.
  
• Analyze production data and metrics to identify trends, root causes, and improvement actions.
  
• Support new product introductions (NPIs) and process validations, including tooling design reviews and trials.
  
• Participate in or lead Kaizen events, 5S audits, value stream mapping, and other continuous improvement activities.
  
• Drive a culture of safety and accountability by integrating safety improvements into manufacturing processes.
  
• Identify and justify capital equipment needs related to process improvements or new product launches.
  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor�s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
  
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, preferably in a thermoforming or plastics processing environment.
  
• Demonstrated experience with LEAN tools (5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, SMED, value stream mapping).
  
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
  
• Working knowledge of quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949 a plus).
  
• Six Sigma certification or LEAN certification preferred.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with thermoforming tooling design and troubleshooting.
  
• Hands-on knowledge of automation, robotics, or PLC systems is a plus.
  
• Project management experience and ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
  
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).
  

Don't meet every single requirement? KFI is dedicated to building a diverse, well-rounded team and appreciate authentic backgrounds and experiences.. so if you think you'd be a good fit for what you just read, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyways! We are always willing to train those who are motivated to learn and you may be just the right candidate for a position with our growing company!

KFI is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

This is a direct-hire opportunity with KFI. KFI is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Job Details

Pay Type

Salary

Portage, WI 53901, USA