Manufacturing Engineer

ERMCO

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is the leading manufacturer of distribution transformers and engineered electrical solutions, serving electric utilities, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and industrial customers across North America. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO delivers reliable, high-quality products that power homes, businesses, and communities across North America.

With commitments to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, ERMCO is at the forefront of supporting grid modernization and energy transition. Our vertically integrated operations, customer-focused culture, and investment in people and technology make ERMCO the Most Valued Partner for delivering resilient, sustainable power infrastructure for the future.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, optimizing, and supporting manufacturing equipment, tooling, and processes used in the production of magnetic core components, electrical transformers, and related assemblies. This position blends engineering design expertise with hands-on mechanical aptitude to deliver safe, reliable, and high‑precision manufacturing solutions that enhance productivity, quality, and equipment reliability.

The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical design skills, experience improving manufacturing processes, and the ability to support equipment troubleshooting in a high‑precision production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment & Process Design

• Conceptualize, design, and develop new manufacturing machinery, tooling, and mechanical systems.
• Redesign and upgrade existing equipment to improve performance, throughput, reliability, ergonomics, and operator safety.
• Produce detailed 2D/3D CAD models, assemblies, and fabrication drawings using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar software.
• Design and specify manufacturing tooling, jigs, dies, and fixtures to support efficient production and assembly processes.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, and cost‑effective.

Manufacturing Engineering & Machining Support

• Develop, improve, and maintain precision tooling and die components used in core manufacturing and material cutting processes.
• Support CNC programming, machining methods, and best practices for high‑tolerance components.
• Evaluate material selection, tool steels, and manufacturing methods to maximize durability, repeatability, and product quality.
• Lead root‑cause investigations of component wear or process variation and implement corrective design improvements.
• Work with internal and external fabrication resources to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and adherence to specifications.

Equipment Troubleshooting & Maintenance Engineering

• Provide hands-on engineering support to diagnose mechanical and electrical machine issues.
• Partner with maintenance and operations to improve machine uptime and reliability through design changes or component upgrades.
• Support development of preventive and predictive maintenance plans for new and existing equipment.
• Create technical documentation, equipment manuals, and maintenance/operation training materials.

Testing, Validation & Continuous Improvement

• Build, test, and validate prototype machinery, tooling, and engineered components.
• Analyze machine performance, collect data, and review failure modes to drive continuous improvement.
• Support development of standard operating procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation.
• Participate in Lean, 5S, Six Sigma, and waste‑elimination initiatives.
• Research new materials, manufacturing technologies, and mechanical components to enhance production capabilities.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 2–7 years of engineering experience in machine design, manufacturing processes, or production equipment development.
• Experience in transformer, electrical component manufacturing, or metals manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success designing equipment for precision, high‑tolerance manufacturing environments.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Understanding of tool steels, heat treatment, and high‑precision fabrication practices.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems including pneumatics, hydraulics, motion systems, and mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with PLC‑driven equipment and ability to collaborate with controls engineers.
• Experience with FEA, simulations, or modeling tools a plus.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Soft Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on, solution‑oriented approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills across engineering, operations, and maintenance.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects with shifting priorities.
• Highly detail‑oriented with strong commitment to quality and workplace safety.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs around machinery.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments with mechanical equipment, electrical systems, and moderate noise.
• Required use of appropriate PPE.

Confidentiality

Must maintain confidentiality of projects, processes, methods, technologies, and development work within the AM&M team unless authorized.

Join ERMCO and TRANSFORM your career!