Manufacturing Engineer

SMV Recruiting is actively looking for a recent grad who is open to a Manufacturing Engineer and who wants to be sponge and learn on the floor. This is a high-visibility, entry-level Mechanical Engineer role supporting a brand-new and rapidly growing distribution center with light assembly and value-add operations.

You will be the sole engineer on site, working closely with operations and leadership. This role offers significant independence, ownership, and responsibility early in your career. It is ideal for a recent graduate who is self-motivated, curious, and eager to learn — someone who wants to be a sponge and grow with the operation.

Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement will be a major focus of this role.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Own mechanical and process engineering support for a growing distribution and light assembly operation
• Lead and support Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Improve workstation design, layouts, and material flow
• Support troubleshooting of conveyors, fixtures, tools, and light assembly equipment
• Partner with operations, maintenance, and supervisors to drive efficiency and standard work
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Review and maintain layouts, drawings, and documentation
• Help scale processes as the operation grows

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related discipline)
• 1–2 years of experience (internships and co-ops count)
• Highly self-motivated and driven — comfortable working independently
• Strong curiosity and desire to learn in a fast-growing environment
• Willingness to be floor-facing and hands-on
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills
• Clear communication skills across operations and leadership

Required Technical Skills:

• AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and layouts
• Understanding of basic mechanical systems and material handling
• Microsoft Excel and Word
• (These systems are required and used regularly.)

Lean / Continuous Improvement Focus:

• Exposure to or interest in Lean manufacturing principles
• Continuous improvement mindset — identifying waste and improving processes
• Willingness to learn and apply CI tools such as:
• Standard work
• 5S
• Root cause analysis
• Process flow improvements
• (Formal Lean experience is not required — strong interest is.)