Manufacturing Engineer

Description

Company Information: 

Rock Exotica (Thompson Manufacturing, Inc) was founded in 1987 by Rock Thompson, whose passion for rock climbing and inventive spirit led him to build the company from his parent’s garage with a rebuilt WWII milling machine and a groundbreaking product—the Soloist. Since then, Rock Exotica has continued to revolutionize technical equipment for professionals, staying true to its roots of innovation, safety, and quality. Proudly designed, manufactured, and assembled in Utah, USA, we remain committed to pushing boundaries while honoring the craftsmanship that started it all.  

Join the team that’s redefining safety. At Rock Exotica, we don’t just manufacture safety and rescue equipment, we lead the industry with groundbreaking Innovation and first-to-market products Trusted by first responders, arborists, and the entertainment world. We’re looking for Dedicated individuals who value quality, precision, and the mission of helping others stay safe.  If you're driven by purpose and inspired by Excellence, Rock Exotica is where your impact begins!!

**Pre-employment drug screening required** 

**Must Be 18+ year of age to apply** 

We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for all employees and customers. As part of our commitment to safety, we evaluate all candidates based on their ability to uphold our workplace standards, including the safety and well-being of those we serve. All hiring decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal and state law.

Job Summary: 

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining efficient manufacturing processes that ensure Rock Exotica products are produced accurately, safely, and cost-effectively. This role places a strong emphasis on process engineering; including PFMEA, line balancing, lean manufacturing, machine design, and continuous improvement to optimize workflow, reduce waste, and improve production throughput and quality. The Manufacturing Engineer serves as the technical authority for all process design decisions and is the primary R&D liaison to Production for process-related matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Process Design & Engineering 

• Designs, develops, and sustains manufacturing processes that produce conforming product accurately, safely, and efficiently. 
• Owns the Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) — develops, maintains, and links to the control plan for all new and revised products and processes. 
• Conducts process verification activities, including capability studies (Cpk), process validation, and sign-off for production readiness. 
• Performs root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) for process-related issues. 
• Conducts time and motion studies, capacity analysis, and value stream mapping to identify and eliminate waste. 

NPI Process Readiness 

• Participates in the manufacturing launch of new and revised products — leads process readiness activities including process design, tooling development, line qualification, and production team training. 
• Collaborates with the Development Engineer on production documentation, ERP router development, and work instruction review to ensure process accuracy. 
• Assists Design Engineers in resolving product manufacturability issues; contributes to Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews. 
• Supports first article inspections (FAI) and PPAP activities for new products and processes. 

Production Support 

• Collaborates with the Assembly Manager and production teams to improve production control systems, SOPs, safety protocols, and training materials. 
• Owns the creation, updating, and maintenance of ERP production routing data, ensuring accuracy of work center sequences and process steps. 
• Performs miscellaneous duties and special projects as assigned. 

Machine & Tooling Design 

• Designs, develops, qualifies, and continuously improves production process tooling — including assembly fixtures, jigs, and assembly aids — optimized for ergonomics and efficiency. 
• Owns the design and development of assembly machines and production equipment, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). 
• Manages tooling capital requests and coordinates tooling purchase orders within R&D, in collaboration with the R&D Manager. 
• Provides technical direction to the Mechanical Engineering Technician (when assigned) and Manufacturing Engineering Technician on tooling development, build, and qualification. 

Line Balancing & Continuous Improvement 

• Leads line balancing studies and implements efficient workstation layouts to support takt time and throughput goals. 
• Identifies and implements lean manufacturing improvements including 5S, standard work, visual management, and waste elimination (TIMWOOD). 
• Drives and facilitates continuous improvement (CI) initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve quality, and lower production costs. 
• Represents Manufacturing Engineering on cross-functional CI events including kaizen, Gemba walks, and A3 problem solving. 

Requirements

Competencies:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the duties of this position:

• Deep knowledge of process engineering and manufacturing systems, including tooling design, fixturing, and assembly machine development. 
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools (Kaizen, 5S, SMED, VSM, standard work). 
• PFMEA development and linkage to control plans and process validation. 
• Proficiency in line balancing, workstation layout, and process flow optimization. 
• Data-driven problem solving and root cause analysis. 
• Project planning and cross-functional collaboration. 
• Initiative and ability to execute continuous improvement independently. 
• Clear, concise communication and documentation skills. 
• Strong sense of ownership, urgency, and follow-through. 
• Provides technical direction to the Manufacturing Engineering Technician. Provides technical direction to the Mechanical Engineering Technician when assigned to manufacturing projects by the R&D Manager.  

Qualifications: 

Required; 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Materials Engineering, or a related field. 
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering or process engineering role within a durable goods environment. 
• Demonstrated experience with PFMEA development, process validation, and capability studies. 
• Hands-on experience designing production tooling, fixtures, or manufacturing equipment. 
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software. 
• Experience with lean manufacturing, process improvement, and production line optimization. 
• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment. 

Preferred:

• Experience in a precision machined components or hardware manufacturing environment. 
• Familiarity with PPAP and FAI processes. 
• Experience with assembly machine design, FAT, and SAT. 
• Exposure to ERP systems for routing and work center management. 
• Passion for technical products — ideally in outdoor, safety, or industrial equipment. 

Working Conditions:  

Work is performed in a manufacturing facility, with drill presses, metal cutting, and other industrial equipment. The employee is regularly exposed to vibrations. Noise levels fluctuate from moderate to high requiring ear protection. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must wear appropriate personal safety protection equipment. This equipment will vary based upon the work location and type of work being performed but often will include safety glasses, closed-toed/heeled shoes, and sometimes may include protective clothing.
 

Physical Requirements:  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Stand, walk and reach for long periods of time
• Regular use of computers and office equipment
• Repetitive hand and wrist motions while handling large and small parts
• Constantly and repetitively assembly products, use of light machinery
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, reach above and below desk level, talk, hear and communicate accurate information? 
• Observe details at a close range
• Moves items and products weighing up to 30 pounds across short distances
• Easily move from place to place in a manufacturing facility
• Adhere to all safety & quality requirements
• Must be able to communicate with managers and coworkers in a noisy environment. 

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision: Eligible first date of following month hired
• Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off
• Company provided Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
• Company provided Life Insurance
• Industry Discounts
• Simple IRA Plan with Company 3% Match
• Professional Development Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave (4 weeks after one year of employment)
• Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Disclaimer:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification.  It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. 

By applying for this job,  I acknowledge that I have read and understand the duties, responsibilities, competencies, disclaimer and other requirements as outlined in this job description.