Kaidi is hiring: Manufacturing Engineer in Grand Haven

Manufacturing Engineer

About Us:

Join us in bringing Grand Haven's newest manufacturing facility to life! Kaidi LLC is a Smart Office division affiliate of Kaidi Electrical, and we produce inline actuators and understructure assemblies for height-adjustable desk applications. We have recently acquired a 200k sq ft facility in Grand Haven, MI, and are currently building out our manufacturing capacity. Here, you will have a chance to be on the ground floor, helping shape a company's direction from its earliest stages. Here, you will be surrounded by a team passionate about creating something new and innovative. The pace is fast, the work is meaningful, and every contribution counts. At Kaidi, you're not just filling a role-you're building a vision. If you're excited about seeing tangible results from your work and you thrive in a dynamic environment where growth is constant, joining Kaidi could be the journey of a lifetime!

Job Overview:

The Manufacturing Engineer role is responsible for applying engineering principles and analytical techniques to establish and continuously improve manufacturing processes and products. Functions performed will include determining the machines, equipment, tools, and sequence of operations necessary to perform production operations, as well as advising and assisting vendors with process problems in connection with tools, gauges, and equipment designed for use in manufacturing. This position will focus on manufacturing and assembly (mostly with steel).

Essential Duties:

• Evaluates manufacturing processes by designing and conducting research programs.
• Develops manufacturing processes by studying product requirements, researching testing methods, and conferring with equipment vendors.
• Improves manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout.
• Assures product and process quality by designing testing methods.
• Provides manufacturing decision-making information by calculating production, labor, and material costs.
• Prepares product and process reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
• Provides manufacturing engineering information by answering questions and requests.
• Maintains product and company reputation by complying with government regulations.
• Keeps equipment operational by coordinating maintenance and repair services.
• Maintains product and process databases by writing computer programs and entering data.
• Completes design and development projects by training and guiding technicians.
• Identify issues and implement solutions related to the manufacturing process or equipment
• Coordinate new product introductions with multidisciplinary teams
• Support Production Technicians by assisting them in troubleshooting complex machine and process issues
• Generate specifications, validation plans, and acceptance criteria for new equipment, materials, and processes
• Work with the quality team to perform root cause analysis and corrective action for quality issues
• Design or source manufacturing tools, equipment, and fixtures
• Identify key cost-cutting opportunities by baselining cost, performing cycle time analysis, and throughput improvements
• Collaborate closely with a headquarters Engineering team and vendors to balance design intent with manufacturability and performance
• Produce documentation related to proper equipment usage, maintenance, and technical procedures

• Work with equipment designers and finished goods suppliers to develop innovative, cost-effective, capable, and repeatable production processes and oversee their implementation

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering or a related field
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Understanding of lean tools, principles, and methodology
• Team player with demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals at various organizational levels internally and externally
• Must be an analytical thinker with strong interpersonal skills who has proven capability in driving results by organizing and influencing others through cross-functional team engagement
• Innovative and creative problem solver with meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to filter and distill the relevant information to the right audience.
• Comfortable with change and ambiguity with the ability to quickly propose solutions given limited guidance
• Proficiency in reading and developing electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical schematics/diagrams. Optical experience a plus
• Experience troubleshooting complex process and machine issues
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Self-directed individual with the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with PLCs, conveyors, and robotics
• Experience with Painting, Powder Coating, and Finishing
• Familiarity with Laser Cutting
• Manufacturing equipment experience
• Steel furniture manufacturing experience
• Proficiency in Mandarin and English is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to access and navigate all areas of the facilities and perform the above-mentioned essential duties.
• Must be able to properly and regularly utilize the following PPE for a period of up to 8 hours:
  • Safety Glasses
  • Steel-toed shoes
  • Lift/push/pull up to 50 pounds
  • Stoop, twist, bend
  • Reach overhead
  • Sit and/or stand
  • Climb vertical ladders

• Work includes occasional exposure to fumes, odors, dust, dirt, and/or contact with chemicals or toxins.
• Work includes periodic exposure to environmental hazards associated with electrical, mechanical, and/or power equipment.
• Work includes occasional exposure to extreme hot or cold weather conditions.

Kaidi LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Disclaimer:

As a condition of employment, all candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment screening process. This process may include, but is not limited to:

• A criminal background check to verify the absence of disqualifying offenses.
• A drug screening to ensure compliance with the company's substance-free workplace policy.
• An alcohol test, as applicable, to confirm adherence to safety and legal standards.

The company conducts these screenings in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be required to provide written consent for the screenings during the hiring process. Failure to consent to or pass these screenings may result in disqualification from employment consideration.