Engineer In Training (52626)

BRT Extrusions is seeking a motivated and detail-orientedJunior Manufacturing Engineer to support and improve our aluminum extrusion manufacturing operations. This entry-level engineering role works cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, optimize production processes, improve equipment efficiency, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

The Junior Manufacturing Engineer will gain hands-on experience with aluminum extrusion presses, tooling and dies, process parameters, material flow, and downstream manufacturing operations. This position is ideal for an early-career engineer looking to develop technical expertise while contributing to improvements in productivity, product quality, workplace safety, and overall operational performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Support

• Provide engineering support for daily aluminum extrusion press operations and downstream manufacturing processes.
• Monitor production performance, extrusion parameters, cycle times, scrap rates, and overall equipment efficiency.
• Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements to equipment, workflows, and manufacturing methods.
• Assist in troubleshooting extrusion-related issues, including dimensional variations, surface defects, die performance, and material flow.
• Evaluate extrusion temperatures, press speeds, billet utilization, and other critical process parameters.
• Collaborate with production supervisors and operators to identify problems and implement effective solutions.

Continuous Improvement and Engineering

• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support projects designed to reduce downtime, scrap, waste, production costs, and cycle times.
• Collect and analyze manufacturing data to identify performance trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with engineering projects involving equipment upgrades, process modifications, and new technology implementation.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process documentation, and other manufacturing records.
• Participate in equipment trials, process validation, new product introductions, and process optimization activities.

Equipment and Technical Support

• Work with Maintenance to identify recurring equipment issues, investigate failures, and support corrective actions.
• Assist in troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems associated with extrusion presses and related equipment.
• Support preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability improvement initiatives.
• Assist in evaluating tooling, extrusion dies, and production equipment to improve performance, consistency, and service life.
• Participate in equipment installation, commissioning, testing, and startup activities.
• Support the implementation of engineering solutions that improve equipment uptime, reliability, and production efficiency.

Quality and Safety

• Collaborate with Quality to investigate product defects, customer concerns, and manufacturing nonconformances.
• Assist with root cause investigations and the development and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Support compliance with ISO 9001 quality management system requirements and internal quality procedures.
• Identify potential workplace hazards and recommend engineering controls or process improvements to reduce risk.
• Ensure engineering activities align with company safety policies and applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.
• Promote safe work practices, process consistency, quality awareness, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical systems, and production operations.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and analyze data to support engineering decisions.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to work on the manufacturing floor and learn hands-on manufacturing processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, academic project, or previous work experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Exposure to aluminum extrusion, metal forming, machining, or other metal manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Experience with manufacturing data analysis, process documentation, or technical reporting.
• Familiarity with CAD software, statistical analysis tools, or manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• General knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and OSHA safety requirements.

Key Competencies

• Technical curiosity and a willingness to learn.
• Structured problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Data-driven decision-making.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Collaboration and effective communication.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence.