Manufacturing Engineer

About Key Technology:

Key Technology in Walla Walla, WA is a worldwide leader in food processing technology. As a global industrial manufacturing company, our ongoing innovations provide increased control, continuous processing, sorting, automated inspection, specialized conveying, and grading and sizing, in processed fruits and vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, fresh-cut produce and more.

The Manufacturing Engineer 3 is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving manufacturing processes used in the fabrication, assembly, testing, and installation of complex capital equipment. This position serves as a technical leader within the organization, providing engineering expertise across multiple product lines while supporting operational excellence initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer 3 independently manages complex projects, resolves advanced manufacturing challenges, and mentors less experienced engineers. This role works closely with Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Service, and Operations to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manufacturing Engineering & Process Improvement

• Lead large-scale manufacturing improvement initiatives with significant operational impact.
• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes, production methods, and workflow improvements.
• Analyze production systems, capacity, labor utilization, cycle times, material flow, and operational constraints to improve efficiency and throughput.
• Develop manufacturing strategies that enhance scalability, capacity, productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Serve as the technical lead for complex manufacturing, assembly, testing, and integration challenges.
• Utilize advanced analytical and statistical methods to improve process capability and product quality.

Project Leadership

• Lead cross-functional teams supporting production readiness, product launches, process transformations, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Manage major capital investment projects, including business justification, equipment selection, installation, commissioning, validation, and implementation.
• Evaluate and implement advanced manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and digital manufacturing systems.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities through process development, risk assessment, design reviews, and production readiness planning.

Quality & Problem Solving

• Lead complex root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions for manufacturing and quality issues.
• Conduct Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) evaluations to improve product manufacturability.
• Establish and maintain manufacturing standards, engineering best practices, and process governance.
• Monitor manufacturing performance metrics and drive continuous improvement activities.

Lean Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Champion enterprise-wide Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead value stream mapping, Kaizen events, standardized work development, waste elimination, and productivity improvement projects.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through process optimization, efficiency improvements, and technology implementation.

Supplier & Team Development

• Lead supplier manufacturing assessments and support supplier process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve manufacturability, quality, and process-related concerns.
• Mentor and develop Manufacturing Engineers, technicians, and production personnel.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to less experienced engineering team members.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive manufacturing engineering (or equivalent) experience.
• Demonstrated success leading manufacturing improvement initiatives, cross-functional projects, and process optimization efforts.
• Experience independently managing engineering projects and implementing manufacturing solutions from concept through production.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools, including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Standardized Work, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience with Six Sigma methodologies and statistical problem-solving techniques.
• Proficiency in Root Cause Analysis tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, A3, and DMAIC.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and production system design.
• Project management experience with the ability to lead multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD software, preferably Creo or SolidWorks.
• Understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability analysis.
• Knowledge of manufacturing automation, controls concepts, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Additional Skills

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Ability to train, mentor, and develop engineering and production personnel.
• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to manage complex technical challenges with minimal supervision.

Why work at Key?

• Key Technology offers a competitive benefits package for all full-time employees, including the following:
• Medical coverage through your choice of a high deductible health plan or a PPO plan. All plans include prescription drug coverage
• Flexible spending accounts, when allowed by tax laws
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA), when allowed by tax laws. Our HSA includes a 2x match, up to $1,000 annually
• Dental and Vision Coverage
• Paid life insurance and disability insurance, and options to purchase additional coverage
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Optional coverages include Long-term Care, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401k plan with a 100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions, and 50% on the next 2% of contributions (4% match if you contribute 5% of pay)
• Educational Assistance reimbursement
• Accrued paid time off (PTO) 
• 10 paid holidays annually

Employment with Key Technology is contingent upon successfully completing a pre-employment drug screen, criminal history, social security, and reference check. Key Technology is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. In addition to federal law requirements, Key Technology complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should contact the Human Resources Department to request accommodation. Key Technology participates in E-Verify.