Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Gainesville, GA
Department: Operations
Reports To: Value Stream Manager

Position Summary

Cantrell-Gainco is seeking a hands-on, highly experienced Manufacturing Engineer to drive manufacturing excellence across our CNC machining and fabrication operations. This role will lead process improvements, develop tooling and fixtures, optimize cell layouts, and support continuous improvement initiatives to increase throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.

The Manufacturing Engineer is a key technical expert responsible for improving existing processes, developing new manufacturing methods, and supporting the production floor with strong problem-solving ability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of machining processes across CNC Router, CNC Lathe, and CNC Mill equipment
• Program, proof, modify, and troubleshoot CAM programs using MasterCAM
• Design tooling and fixtures to support safe, repeatable, and efficient operations
• Create and improve standard work, job routings, process documentation, and operator instructions
• Support Lean / CI initiatives including SMED, 5S, cell layout optimization, and waste reduction
• Conduct time studies, cycle time analysis, and capacity reviews to drive performance improvements
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Engineering to resolve manufacturing issues
• Support new product introduction with manufacturability input, prototype review, and process readiness
• Interpret engineering prints, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Lead root-cause investigations and corrective actions for quality and process issues
• Provide technical mentoring to machinists, programmers, and junior engineers

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering OR equivalent work experience
• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in CNC production environments
• MasterCAM programming expertise
• Strong background in fixture/tooling design and machining processes
• Hands-on experience with CNC Router, CNC Lathe, and CNC Mill
• Proven experience implementing Lean, SMED, and standard work
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, tolerances, and callouts
• Demonstrated ability improving throughput, scrap, cycle time, and workflow
• Experience with ERP job routings and manufacturing documentation

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to lead change and influence without authority
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment with minimal supervision
• Proficient in CAD modeling and design tools (SolidWorks preferred)
• Strong project management and organization skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in machining or fabrication for equipment or automation environments
• Experience working in food processing equipment manufacturing industry (plus)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and walk on manufacturing floor up to 75% of the day
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs occasionally
• Ability to work in a shop environment around machinery, noise, and moving equipment
• Ability to travel between buildings and work areas as necessary

Working Conditions:

This role operates in both an office environment and a manufacturing warehouse. The position routinely uses standard office equipment, hand tools, and material handling equipment.

Employment with Cantrell-Gainco is contingent upon successfully completing both a pre-employment background check and drug screening. All candidates hired must be able to provide proper documentation of their eligibility to work in the United States (I-9 form). Cantrell-Gainco is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities / Females / Disabled / Veterans (M/F/D/V).

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.