Manufacturing Engineer II

Company: Heckler & Koch Defense Inc.
Location: Columbus
Posted on: January 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description POSITION SUMMARY Responsible for designing, developing, and improving production processes to ensure parts and assemblies are made efficiently, safely, and to quality specifications. Responsibilities include optimizing assembly and machining workflows, implementing lean manufacturing principles, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, collaborating with other departments, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Essential Functions: Sets and reviews engineering specifications, process flows, and other information to understand methods that are applied and activities that take place in the manufacturing process. Process Design: Design manufacturing processes, for both ferrous and nonferrous materials, to convert raw materials to finished products. This includes defining the sequence of manufacturing operations, equipment selection and/or equipment design, workholding/fixture design, staffing requirements, subcontract operations, and supporting BOMs and routings. Process improvement: Utilizing time studies, Lean philosophies, and Six Sigma techniques, analyzing existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and manufacturing cost. Determines how to manufacture parts or products with maximum efficiency. Design, source, assemble, and validate workholding and tools in support of manufacturing operations. Incorporate PLCs, hydraulics, and automation to reduce operator fatigue, error-proof processes and maximize efficiency. Write technical requirements and RFPs for supplier quotations. Champion business cases and internal cost justifications for capital expenses. System and facility design: Conceive, design, and develop new manufacturing systems, equipment layouts, tooling, and fixtures. Maintain factory layout. Automation and technology: Identify and implement automation opportunities, using robotics, computer networks, and computer-aided software to streamline workflows and improve data collection. Tooling & Fixture Design: Design, source and build fixtures, tools, and other equipment needed for product machining and processing. Produce manufacturing process drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5-2009. Coordinates with management personnel regarding manufacturing capabilities. Lead PFMEA meetings. Support and contribute to DFMEA activities. Ensure that engineering data is properly managed via SolidWorks PDM. Responsible for determining requirements, evaluating machinery, and preparing recommendations for machinery purchases. Responsible for planning and designing poka-yokes to help equipment operators avoid mistakes or eliminate product defects by preventing, correcting, or drawing attention to human errors as they occur. Enacts quality control procedures to resolve production problems or minimize costs. Additional Responsibilities: Responsible for providing support by assisting in identification of new vendor networks. Define and address the root causes of manufacturing issues. NPI experience, including process development and capital equipment selection. Strong root cause analysis and corrective action skills. Strong understanding of DFM/A principles. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Prior experience in planning assembly and machining production lines. Extensive knowledge and ability to identify appropriate manufacturing technologies for assembly and machining processes. Strong mechanical design experience of mechanisms including hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical components. Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, Solidworks, AutoCAD). Ability to use standard measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators. Strong technical writing skills. Self-starter with an ability to work under little to no supervision. Ability to work and communicate effectively with all departments and all levels of the organization, including non-technical personnel. Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure and with tight deadlines. Proficient with SAP or compatible system. Experience coordinating with vendors. Educational/Experience Requirements: You must have 5-7 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment. A bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial or equivalent). Experience in implementing and contributing to a Lean environment. Experience with firearms manufacturing is a plus.

Keywords: Heckler & Koch Defense Inc., Dothan , Manufacturing Engineer II, Engineering , Columbus, Alabama