Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
Industry: Metal Forming
- Serve as a technical authority for assigned manufacturing processes and product lines
- Lead manufacturing process design, optimization, and validation for precision metal components
- Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives (yield, cycle time, scrap, cost)
- Partner cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Quality, and Operations on new product introductions
- Develop and improve tooling, fixturing, work instructions, and standard processes
- Troubleshoot complex manufacturing and quality issues using data-driven root cause analysis
- Support capacity planning, capital equipment justification, and implementation
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians; contribute to long-term technical strategy
- Gradually take on informal and formal leadership responsibilities as the role matures
- Leadership opportunity – Potential to grow into technical leadership or people leadership
- Employee-owned company (ESOP) – Direct financial upside tied to company performance
- Highly engineered products – Work on tight-tolerance, high-performance components
- Stable, long-tenured organization – Over 100 years of success with strong financial footing
- End-to-end engineering exposure – Design, manufacturing, testing, and validation all in-house
- Lean and CI-driven culture – Engineers are empowered to make real process improvements
- Collaborative environment – Small-company feel with global reach and impact
- Career longevity – The company is known for investing in long-term employee development
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or similar)
- 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in precision manufacturing environments
- Strong background in metal forming, stamping, springs, or closely related processes preferred
- Experience with Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and root cause analysis
- Ability to operate as both a hands-on problem solver and strategic technical resource
- Strong communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally
Meet Your Recruiter
Erik Butzen
Technical Recruiter
Erik Butzen is a skilled and compassionate Senior Recruiter passionate about empowering individuals to advance in their careers. With two years of dedicated service at Sterling, Erik has already significantly impacted the organization's talent acquisition efforts.
Having honed his expertise over five years in the field of recruiting, Erik possesses a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies. His journey began with the desire to assist individuals in finding opportunities that would propel their professional growth forward.
As a Senior Recruiter, Erik takes great pride in his ability to help people make meaningful advancements in their careers. Whether it's guiding a candidate through the interview process, providing valuable insights into the job market, or matching the right talent with the perfect role, Erik is committed to positively impacting the lives of those he interacts with.
One of Erik's most valuable pieces of advice to both hiring managers and fellow recruiters is to ask a lot of questions. Understanding the needs and expectations of both candidates and employers is essential to finding the best fit for both parties.