Manufacturing Engineer with Robotics Experience

Job Overview

Join Komatsu America Corp., a leader in manufacturing innovation, as a Manufacturing Engineer with Robotics Experience. In this critical role within our Manufacturing division, you will lead and manage projects that drive continuous improvement across production and warehouse operations. Your expertise will ensure processes exceed safety standards while optimizing efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

You will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of manufacturing methods, equipment, and automated systems including cutting-edge robotics and CNC machinery. This includes detailed programming of robotic welding systems, development of tooling and fixture solutions, and enhancement of overall material flow from suppliers to the production line.

With a comprehensive understanding of warehouse processes such as inbound packaging, inventory management, picking, packing, and shipping, you will play a key role in integrating production and logistics to streamline operations. Your efforts will support our commitment to the Komatsu Way by fostering an environment focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and cost control.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a proactive professional to influence manufacturing excellence while participating in innovative projects that leverage advanced technologies and lean manufacturing principles. You will collaborate across departments to refine procedures, develop standards, and introduce process improvements that support both current and evolving product models.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Utilize expertise in automated equipment programming, including CNC machines, welding robots, laser projection, and painting/blasting systems, to optimize manufacturing throughput and workforce utilization.
• Lead the successful completion of manufacturing engineering projects by applying effective project management techniques and coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Recommend and specify tooling, equipment, and processes that align with production and warehouse needs, including the confirmation and flow for existing and new product models.
• Maintain and update detailed routing documents, production procedures, and costing reports, ensuring seamless integration of Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) within the Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) system.
• Assess manpower requirements for production and warehouse teams, adjusting resource allocation dynamically to support shifts in production volume.
• Manage capital and departmental budgets responsibly while driving initiatives that enhance safety standards, quality levels, and cost efficiency.
• Develop and maintain balanced operational workflows for subassembly lines, mainline stations, and warehouse functions with accurate standard times.
• Create specialized packaging solutions for spare parts, supplier shipments, and third-party logistics to ensure integrity and efficiency throughout the supply chain.
• Address safety, quality, delivery, and cost issues promptly by applying the Komatsu Way principles; design ergonomic handling tools to improve workplace safety and productivity.
• Implement lean manufacturing methodologies including 5S, Kaizen events, Gemba walks, PDCA cycles, Poka Yoke, and visual factory techniques to promote continuous improvement.
• Conduct thorough time and motion studies to identify best manufacturing and warehousing practices, and perform make-versus-buy analyses to support strategic decisions.
• Analyze process bottlenecks and devise actionable solutions to enhance workflow efficiency, while maintaining current and detailed facility layout documentation.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field is required to provide a strong foundation in engineering principles and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience of 1 to 3 years in a manufacturing engineering role, preferably with hands-on involvement in robotics and automated production systems.
• Proficiency with industry-standard software applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, project management tools, as well as advanced CAD software including 3D CAD and AutoCAD to design and analyze manufacturing layouts and tooling.
• Hands-on experience with robot programming for welding systems, capable of writing, optimizing, and maintaining robot weld programs to maximize production efficiency and weld quality.
• Advanced knowledge of setting manufacturing standards, methods improvement, layout design, assembly tooling, fixtures, and line balancing to streamline operations.
• Strong communication skills are vital, encompassing verbal, written, and digital correspondence, enabling effective coordination across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven capability to manage multiple concurrent projects with strong organizational and prioritization skills, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are consistently met.
• In-depth understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to create accurate processes that yield high-quality production parts according to engineering specifications.
• Meticulous attention to detail paired with the patience and persistence required to analyze and resolve complex manufacturing challenges through systematic problem-solving.

Additional Information

This role is based at Komatsu America Corp.'s manufacturing hub in Peoria, offering a dynamic work environment committed to innovation and continuous improvement. We support professional development and encourage team members to actively contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence. Komatsu America Corp. is an equal opportunity employer valuing diversity and inclusion within the workplace.