Manufacturing/Industrial Engineer

Description

Location: Winnsboro, South Carolina

Department: Engineering / Manufacturing Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $61,400–$83,000 Annually

About Element Electronics

Element Electronics started in 2007 with a simple belief: every home should have access to televisions featuring the latest technology at affordable prices. In 2014, we expanded our commitment to American manufacturing by opening our television assembly facility in Winnsboro, South Carolina.

Today, Element continues to evolve, expanding our portfolio of electronics and home appliances while remaining focused on innovation, quality, operational excellence, and accessible technology.

Position Summary

Element Electronics is seeking a Manufacturing / Industrial Engineer with 3–5 years of experience to support continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, and process optimization within our manual assembly operations. This position focuses on improving production efficiency, developing standardized work processes, optimizing assembly-line layouts, and supporting new product introductions and production runs. The Manufacturing / Industrial Engineer will collaborate closely with Production, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to evaluate manufacturing processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement practical solutions that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.

The ideal candidate has direct experience in a manual assembly manufacturing environment, a strong understanding of Lean principles, and the ability to translate engineering concepts into clear, effective production processes and work instructions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering

• Evaluate and improve manual assembly processes to increase production efficiency, consistency, and product quality.
• Conduct time studies, cycle-time analyses, and production observations to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
• Analyze assembly-line layouts, workstation configurations, material flow, and labor utilization to improve productivity.
• Support line balancing and capacity planning to meet production requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements that reduce waste, unnecessary movement, production delays, and operating costs.
• Apply industrial engineering principles to improve workflow, ergonomics, and overall manufacturing performance.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Support and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles and methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve process flow, and increase operational efficiency.
• Utilize Lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, standardized work, and visual management.
• Apply structured problem-solving methods, including root cause analysis, 5 Whys, and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
• Monitor production performance indicators, including cycle time, throughput, labor efficiency, scrap, rework, and first-pass yield.
• Collaborate with Production and Quality teams to implement and sustain process improvements.
• Use manufacturing data and production observations to evaluate the effectiveness of improvement initiatives.

Standard Operating Procedures & Work Instructions

• Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process flow diagrams, and other manufacturing documentation.
• Create clear, accurate, and practical assembly instructions that support consistent production processes.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation reflects current production methods, quality requirements, and approved engineering changes.
• Collaborate with Production and Quality personnel to validate work instructions and standardized assembly procedures.
• Support training activities related to new or revised manufacturing processes.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and revision controls in accordance with established company procedures and applicable ISO 9001 quality management requirements.

New Product Introduction & Production Runs

• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities, including engineering builds, pilot runs, and initial production runs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate product assembly requirements and manufacturing readiness.
• Assist in developing assembly sequences, workstation layouts, process flows, and work instructions for new products.
• Participate in engineering and production trials to identify potential assembly challenges, quality concerns, and process inefficiencies.
• Evaluate pilot-run results and recommend process adjustments before full-scale production.
• Support the transition of new products from engineering development to routine manufacturing operations.
• Document process changes, lessons learned, and improvement opportunities identified during engineering and production runs.

Quality, Safety & Process Compliance

• Support manufacturing processes aligned with applicable ISO 9001 quality management principles and established company procedures.
• Collaborate with Quality personnel to investigate manufacturing defects, process deviations, and recurring production issues.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities to improve process reliability.
• Incorporate safety, ergonomics, and quality considerations into assembly process improvements.
• Support internal process reviews and audits by maintaining accurate manufacturing documentation.
• Ensure assigned process improvement activities follow applicable workplace safety requirements and company policies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to support manufacturing objectives.
• Communicate process changes, technical findings, and improvement recommendations to appropriate stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance to production personnel regarding assembly processes and standardized work.
• Assist with resolving day-to-day manufacturing process challenges.
• Coordinate assigned improvement activities and support completion within established timelines.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline required.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or manufacturing process improvement.
• Hands-on experience supporting manual assembly operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience applying Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience conducting time studies, line balancing, workflow analysis, and process optimization.
• Experience developing and maintaining SOPs, standardized work instructions, and manufacturing process documentation.
• Experience supporting engineering builds, pilot production runs, new product introductions, or manufacturing process changes.
• Experience collaborating with production teams to troubleshoot assembly-related issues and improve manufacturing performance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of manual assembly operations and industrial engineering principles.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools, including 5S, Kaizen, standardized work, and waste reduction.
• Ability to analyze cycle times, production flow, workstation layouts, and labor utilization.
• Ability to develop clear and accurate technical documentation and assembly work instructions.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management principles and manufacturing documentation practices.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing specifications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on assigned projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and a practical, hands-on approach to manufacturing challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in consumer electronics, appliance manufacturing, electronic assembly, or high-volume manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 documentation, internal audits, or corrective action processes.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma improvement techniques.
• Familiarity with Statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), or similar quality tools.
• Experience using ERP, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), or production reporting systems.
• Familiarity with CAD software or manufacturing process documentation tools.
• Experience working with international suppliers.
• Mandarin language proficiency is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Regular walking and standing in production areas may be required.
• Position may require sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting of materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment, moving machinery, production noise, and typical industrial conditions.
• Employees must follow applicable safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
• Full-time position, typically Monday through Friday.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required based on production schedules and operational needs.
• Schedule flexibility may be necessary to communicate with international suppliers during their business hours.
• Domestic or international travel may be required based on business needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Element Electronics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position's responsibilities and qualifications. It does not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be assigned additional job-related duties as necessary to support business and operational needs. Job responsibilities and requirements may be modified to reflect changing business needs, operational priorities, or regulatory requirements. Nothing in this job description constitutes an employment contract or changes the at-will nature of employment, where applicable.