Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Sudbury, Mass.
About Methods
Methods Machine Tools supplies high-quality, high-precision machine tools and automation solutions, and designs integrated custom machining processes and systems. Headquartered in Sudbury, Mass., and in operation since 1958, Methods provides an end-to-end portfolio of best-in-class products, engineering, service, parts, training, and integration. Methods has more than 300 employees, seven technology centers, one high precision machining center, and has installed in excess of 45,000 machines throughout North America.
The following position is available in Sudbury, MA.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Manufacturing Engineer will play a key role in creating, improving, and sustaining production facilities, while actively supporting operations at the Sudbury core site. This role blends industrial engineering, process engineering, and manufacturing engineering skills to ensure efficient workflows, robust processes, and quality at the source. The Manufacturing Engineer will drive operational readiness, support ISO compliance, and work closely with production teams to improve safety, efficiency, and quality across current and future sites.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid time off, Education Assistance, 401(k) Plan, and great opportunity for career growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and optimize production layouts, workflows, and assembly bay utilization.
- Develop and sustain precision assembly methods, tooling strategies, and process documentation.
- Define, standardize, and improve testing procedures and calibration methods for build verification.
- Implement Lean methodologies, including 5S, standard work, setup reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop and monitor KPIs (build readiness, takt time adherence, first pass yield, bay changeover time) to drive performance.
- Partner with production and materials teams to establish pull systems, Kanban replenishment, and buffer inventory strategies.
- Support implementation and sustainment of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for build instructions, quality tracking, and reporting dashboards.
- Collaborate with the Quality Manager to ensure ISO standards are integrated into daily operations, including documentation, audits, and quality signoffs.
- Lead problem-solving for material flow issues, blocked builds, or quality-related delays, coordinating with cross functional resources as needed.
- Train and mentor new staff on Lean principles, visual management, and quality culture.
- Serve as a cross-site resource, sharing best practices and ensuring consistency between Production sites.
- Partner with logistics to ensure timely pack, labeling, and shipment readiness from production bays.
- Support EHS compliance by embedding safety practices into process design and daily operations.
required skills/abilities
- Demonstrated expertise in Lean manufacturing, experience developing and sustaining 5S, standard work, and setup reduction processes.
- Strong knowledge of ISO standards and compliance practices.· Proven ability to define, track, and drive KPIs that improve quality, delivery, and efficiency.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to address process bottlenecks and drive sustainable solutions.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to coach teams, lead others, and collaborate cross-functionally.
- Experience with MES or other production tracking systems is a plus.
- Six Sigma or PMP certification is a plus.
minimum education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing or Process Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or production engineering role, preferably within precision assembly or CNC/automation environments.
networking and key relationships
- Production staff and team leads at Acton and Sudbury
- Production Manager overseeing both sites
- Quality Manager (for ISO compliance and quality culture support)
- Supply Chain and Materials teams (for pull system and material flow alignment)
- Logistics team (as downstream customer of production output)
- Facilities and EHS teams (for layout, upgrades, and safety compliance)
Work ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL
- Daily presence on the production floor required to support assembly operations. Occasional travel (estimated 10–15%) between Acton & Sudbury and other sites within the US is required to align processes, support training, and share standard work across facilities.
- This is a hands-on role within a precision assembly environment involving CNC machines, automation, and material handling equipment.
- Must be comfortable working around hoists, forklifts, and industrial machinery while ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Flexibility is required to adjust working hours when needed to support critical launch milestones or production schedules.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
Additional Information
This job description is designed to provide an overview of basic skills, experiences and education required to perform the job and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee to perform the essential functions of the job. In instances where educational degrees are required, the company will take into consideration factors such as additional experience, training, or certifications in lieu of specific educational requirements.
Methods Machine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.