Title: Cable/Ribbon Assembly Equipment Capability Engineer
Pay Rate Range: $45.00 - $52.00/hr. (DOE)
Employment Type: Contract - 12 months (extension possible)
Schedule: Night Shift - 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Typically 3 days on/4 days off, then 4 days on/3 days off)
Location: Newton, NC (100% Onsite)
Job Posting ID: CRNGJP00029122
Job Overview Tekberry is seeking a highly technical and hands-on
Mechanical Engineer III to support high-volume cable manufacturing operations as a Cable/Ribbon Assembly Equipment Capability Engineer. This role focuses on mechanical equipment capability, performance optimization, and process robustness for cable assembly production lines.
The selected candidate will drive equipment performance improvements, lead capability studies, support new equipment introductions, and ensure continuous manufacturing excellence in a fast-paced production environment.
As a Tekberry W2 employee, you will have access to health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) options (based on eligibility).
Key Responsibilities Equipment Capability & Performance - Own the mechanical capability of cable and ribbon assembly equipment.
- Establish and maintain key equipment performance metrics including OEE, Cp/Cpk, uptime, scrap, and yield.
- Lead capability studies, line balancing initiatives, and throughput optimization efforts.
- Identify mechanical constraints affecting line speed, tension stability, concentricity, and dimensional control.
Mechanical Engineering & Design - Design, modify, and optimize tooling, fixturing, guides, rollers, payoff systems, and tension control mechanisms.
- Develop detailed 2D drawings and 3D CAD models for equipment upgrades and custom tooling solutions.
- Perform engineering calculations related to torque, tension, inertia, thermal effects, and material deformation.
- Support equipment retrofits and modernization projects to enhance performance and reliability.
Manufacturing Support & Troubleshooting - Provide hands-on technical support during production runs, equipment trials, and start-ups.
- Conduct structured root cause analysis for mechanical, process, and interface-related issues and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with process, controls, maintenance, and quality teams to resolve chronic equipment challenges.
- Support FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ validation activities and line acceptance criteria development.
New Equipment & Supplier Interface - Define mechanical requirements and performance specifications for new cable assembly equipment.
- Partner with OEMs and system integrators during equipment design, build, and acceptance phases.
- Review vendor drawings, layouts, and proposals to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.
Documentation & Continuous Improvement - Develop and maintain mechanical documentation including equipment specifications, preventive maintenance standards, and change records.
- Ensure compliance with safety, ergonomic, and manufacturing standards.
- Support Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to drive continuous improvement.
Qualifications Required Education - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
Required Experience - 3-6 years of experience in cable manufacturing or cable assembly equipment engineering.
- Hands-on experience with ribboning, stranding, extrusion, shielding, jacketing, or armoring equipment.
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems in continuous manufacturing environments.
- Experience performing equipment capability analysis and production line optimization.
- Proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, AutoCAD, or equivalent.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools including JMP, Excel, or Minitab.
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with ribbon cable manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of tension control systems, dancer mechanisms, capstans, and servo-driven equipment.
- Familiarity with SPC, Cp/Cpk analysis, and OEE performance metrics.
- Working knowledge of PLC-controlled machinery and electromechanical interfaces.
- Experience supporting high-speed cable line scale-ups.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
Work Environment - Manufacturing floor and equipment commissioning environment.
- Significant hands-on interaction with active production lines.
- Extended onsite presence may be required during trials and production ramp-ups.
- Occasional travel to supplier facilities or sister manufacturing sites may be required.
Contract Details This is a 12-month contract position focused on equipment capability, performance optimization, and production support. Contract extension is dependent on project scope and business needs.
Why Tekberry We need hard-working, reliable employees. Tekberry offers a $100 referral bonus for referrals resulting in successful placements.
Tekberry, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected status under applicable laws.
By submitting your resume, you consent to receive communications from our organization via text message. All texts are sent by real people, and we look forward to connecting with you.
View all open roles: https://tekberry.com/search-jobs/
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