Lead Manufacturing Engineer
Mission Critical Aurora, Colorado
Salary: USD 130 - 155 Annually
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Description
A Manufacturing Engineer V will drive the development of world-class manufacturing systems for modular power and data center products. You'll apply DFM/DFMA principles alongside Design Engineering, designing robust assembly and integration processes, tooling, and workstations that enable efficient, scalable production.
In this senior technical role, you'll own the manufacturing BOM, ERP routings, and workstation sequencing, while leading continuous improvement through lean methodologies and structured root-cause analysis. By collaborating with Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams, you'll help reduce costs, improve first-pass yield, and build high-quality, repeatable production workflows that scale with our business.
Self, Made, at RK
At RK, Self. Made. isn't a tagline, it's how work gets done. People here build more than projects; they build capability, confidence, and careers they can be proud of. With so much work designed and fabricated in-house, ideas move quickly from concept to shop floor to job site. Teams collaborate across disciplines, solve real-world challenges, and grow through hands-on work that truly matters.
RK Company Overview
As a second-generation, family-owned enterprise, RK Industries, LLC (RK) offers a diverse range of construction, manufacturing, advanced fabrication and building services. Led by Rick and Jon Kinning, RK represents seven distinct lines of business that work together to provide seamless project collaboration. Our exclusive building methodologies, accredited safety standards and professional execution allow us to turn our customers' greatest concepts into reality.
Position Summary
The Manufacturing Engineer V is a senior-level technical authority responsible for developing world-class manufacturing systems that enable RK Mission Critical's modular power and data center product lines. This position leads the design and continuous improvement of integration and assembly processes, production tooling, and build sequencing, driving the practical implementation of Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/DFMA) principles to achieve efficient, high-quality, and scalable operations. The Manufacturing Engineer V provides expert-level DFM/DFMA guidance and ensures alignment between engineering documentation and production execution.
Role Responsibilities
Partner with Design Engineering to identify and eliminate Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/DFMA) risks during the product development phase, ensuring smooth hand-off to production.
Design, optimize, and document robust assembly, integration, and testing processes for modular electrical and power infrastructure products.
Provide expert-level feedback on shop drawing structure and content, ensuring alignment with physical workstation design, build sequencing, and production orders.
Develop and implement tooling, fixtures, jigs, and material-handling systems to improve safety, reduce waste, and support standardized operations.
Own the manufacturing bill of materials (BOM), routings, and workstation sequencing in the ERP system to enable repeatable, high-quality production.
Champion lean manufacturing initiatives, including value stream mapping, standard work documentation, and continuous flow principles.
Develop and maintain detailed manufacturing process documentation, including clear, visual work instructions, process control plans, and process validation records.
Collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to improve First Pass Yield (FPY), reduce non-conformance cost, shorten cycle times, and lower overall production cost.
Drive root cause analysis using DMAIC, 8D, or equivalent structured methodologies for complex production issues.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering (or related technical discipline).
Master's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering a plus.
10+ years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering, ideally within modular, prefabricated, or complex electromechanical assembly environments.
Proven expertise in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and workstation optimization.
Deep knowledge of workstation design principles, line layout and ergonomics.
Strong knowledge and experience with ERP systems for production tracking, routing and process control.
Strong skills in process development, documentation and standardization
Strong command of DFM/DFMA methodologies, GD&T, and engineering drawing standards.
Expert experience reviewing and refining shop drawing content to ensure alignment with production layouts and build sequencing.
Proficiency in CAD tools for concept development, equipment & tooling design.
Background in data center or power infrastructure manufacturing preferred.
Proven record leading cross-functional lean or process improvement initiatives that deliver measurable productivity or cost benefits.
Exceptional collaboration and communication skills for cross-functional project execution.
Strong ability to work cross functionally and influence both Design Engineering and Manufacturing Teams.
Minimum Physical Requirements and Accountability
Work outside, inside, and in dusty, noisy and hazardous areas.
Work in high places, tight places, confined spaces and/or other adverse locations.
Climb, balance, squat, kneel and crouch.
Work in all @types of weather.
Must have working knowledge of all trade materials and tools.
Ability to lift and carry 51 to 75 lbs. occasionally, and/or 31 to 45 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 16 to 22 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Comply with all company policies and procedures.
Prompt, punctual, and regular attendance during core business hours, in an office environment (not a telecommuting position), currently located in the Aurora, including a reliable means of transport to and from work.
Ability to occasionally travel between corporate offices and jobsites within the Greater Denver Area, during work hours.
All employees are accountable for safety and health and are empowered to stop work if an unsafe condition is present. Employees should immediately notify their supervisor so that the hazard may be corrected.
What Sets RK Industries Apart
Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental (https://rkindustries.com/about-us/safety/)
Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition (https://rkindustries.com/about-us/accreditations-affiliations/)
Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards (https://rkindustries.com/careers/benefits-rewards/)
Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation (https://rkindustries.com/about-us/rk-foundation/)
Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University (https://rkindustries.com/careers/learning-and-development/) & RK Apprenticeship Program (https://rkindustries.com/careers/apprenticeship-program/)
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
RK Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law
