Fixed-Term Manufacturing Engineer
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Duration: 24 Months (2 Years)
Pay: $80,000 - $85,000 base salary, opportunity for a completion bonus (10% of base salary)
About Us
At Carr Lane Manufacturing, we're proud to be a global leader in tooling components and industrial parts. With over 70 years of innovation, we've built a legacy of quality, dependability, and customer focus. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri we offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment that fosters growth, creativity, and teamwork.
As a family-owned business, we prioritize our employees' well-being, offering robust benefits, professional development opportunities, and a culture where every voice matters. Join us and contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional products and services to customers worldwide.
Position Overview
The Manufacturing Engineer position is a two-year contract position focused on process documentation, implementation, and shop floor improvement at the St. Louis headquarters. This role is well suited for an early career engineer who is willing to invest time on the production floor, learn directly from experienced operators, and apply engineering fundamentals and industry best practices to formalize and improve manufacturing processes. This position has two primary objectives: developing a comprehensive process documentation for heat treatment and material finishing operations and leading a 5S implementation in the Assembly department. Additional manufacturing engineering projects will be assigned as needs arise. This is a new position.
Key Responsibilities
Heat Treatment and Material Finishing Process Documentation
Work with operators, supervisors, and the quality team to document current state heat treatment and material finishing processes, including recipes, parameters, cycle times, and quality checkpoints
Research industry standards and best practices for heat treatment processes relevant to CLM's materials and products (steel alloys, surface treatments, coatings)
Develop formal work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process parameter sheets suitable for operator use and new-hire training
Implement documented processes on the shop floor; validate through quality data and operator feedback; revise as needed until processes are stable and adopted
Establish a system for maintaining and updating process documentation as equipment, materials, and requirements change
5S Implementation in Assembly
Conduct a baseline assessment of the Assembly department's current workplace organization, identifying opportunities for improvement
Plan and lead a 5S implementation: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain
Develop visual management standards, workplace layout improvements, and improved storage and labeling systems
Create audit checklists and scheduled to sustain the program beyond the contract term
Train Assembly personnel on 5S principles and build department ownership of the program
Additional Manufacturing Engineering Support
Contribute to process improvement initiatives, capacity studies, tooling evaluations, and other manufacturing engineering projects as assigned
Support ERP (Microsoft Dynamics 365) manufacturing module configuration and data validation efforts as needed
Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action processes for production quality issues
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
Foundational understanding of manufacturing processes, materials science, and quality systems
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and process specifications
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to spend substantial time on the shop floor observing, learning, and implementing
Preferred:
One to three years manufacturing engineering experience in a machining, heat treatment or metal fabrication environment
Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, 5S methodology, or continuous improvement frameworks
Exposure to heat treatment processes (hardening, tempering, case hardening, nitriding, black oxide, or similar)
Experience with technical writing or process documentation in a manufacturing setting
Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and Microsoft Office
Physical Requirements
Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Grasping, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, Repetitive Motions
Close visual acuity
Subject to noise, hazards, and oils when in production.
Lift up to 35 lbs
Additional Information
This is a two-year fixed-term contract position. Standard benefits are available for the duration of the contract. Opportunity for a regular, full-time role may be considered based on business need and performance. The position is planned and budgeted as a two-year engagement.
Why Work at Carr Lane Manufacturing?
When you join Carr Lane, you're not just taking a job-you're building a career with a company that values:
Legacy & Leadership: Decades of experience, with a reputation for industry leadership
People-First Culture: A supportive team environment where every employee matters
Continuous Growth: Training, development, and promotion from within
Work That Matters: Your contributions directly impact customers and operations globally
Benefits & Perks
At Carr Lane Manufacturing, we care about our team members and invest in their well-being. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Annual Bonus Opportunity
Comprehensive Benefits Offering: Competitive Medical Plans including HRA, with FSA option; Dental and Vision plans; Paid Time Off available Month 1; Eligibility for Parental Time; 401(k) Match with 100% vesting after 5 years; Profit Sharing after 1 Year of Employment; Company Paid Short-Term Disability; Optional Long-Term Disability; Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness Plans; Company Paid Life Insurance and Additional Options Available; Pet Insurance
Hybrid Schedule may be Available Depending on Position
Training and Development Opportunities for All Employees
Educational Reimbursement: General and specialized technical degrees
Employee Assistance Programs
Paid Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and a Floating Holiday
And so much more!
Website: www.carrlane.com
Reports To: Engineering Manager
Pre-employment drug testing is required for employment.
Carr Lane is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
