The Manufacturing Automation Engineer, working with our global new product launch teams, will be responsible for process design and development concurrent to new product development. Additionally, this position will support and lead manufacturing start-up operations that include; plant build-out, process development and optimization of flow, machinery & equipment acquisition, manufacturing layout, continuous improvement and other duties associated with engineering support of production to ensure Rieke attains best in class manufacturing operations. The Manufacturing Automation Engineer will have thorough understanding of the inject molding process (possible applications or new and/or emerging capabilities), optimum line layout, ergonomics, space utilization, machine controls, assembly and WIP storage, within the context of the Rieke facilities, cost capabilities and time constraints.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Works closely with plant leadership in developing design for manufacture and assembly optimized concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques to achieve low cost designs to meet customer goals.
Participates in cross functional product development teams in new product development requirements.
Responsible for process design and development as well as fabrication of new equipment, work instruction generation and validation criteria.
Supports design development efforts to ensure an effective transition to production.
Supports manufacturing operations in the areas of process development, tool design, machine programming, machinery & equipment acquisition, manufacturing layout, and continuous improvement.
Support manufacturing operations in areas of process development, tool design, machine programming, machinery & equipment acquisition, manufacturing layout and continuous improvement.
Provides direction and technical support in identifying continuous improvements to manufacturing operations and implementing new technologies; development of processes, researching current and emerging technologies and evaluating process quality, cost, capacity and capability alternatives.
Responsible for all aspects of development, documentation, and support of the manufacturing process from conceptualization through production sustaining all activities.