Manufacturing Engineer

Description

Whisker is the maker of Litter-Robot, Feeder-Robot, and Litterbox.com. At Whisker, we believe pet parenthood can always get better.

As leading innovators in pet tech and refined pet accessories, we work tirelessly to solve problems and deliver smarter insights for pet parents while enriching the lives of pets. Whether it’s a self-cleaning litter box that automates scooping, an automatic feeder that helps pets develop healthier eating habits, or a modern cat tree that delights both humans and felines, we strive to deliver better solutions for consumers while transforming pet care along the way. To us, having a pet is the best thing ever. At Whisker, life together just keeps getting better.

Whisker is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and Juneau, Wisconsin with 500 passionate team members.

What You’ll Do:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting the continued optimization of our manufacturing processes - on and off the assembly line, layout and optimization of our fulfillment operations, cost performance from suppliers, assembly and material flow processes, and overall continued optimization of our plant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

• Studies current assembly and material flow processes by participating and working with current assembly teams in all facets of the operation with a focus on continuous improvement 
• Approaches problems from a hands-on, action-oriented approach
• Understands and implements the most appropriate material flow and assembly processes based on anticipated current and future sales volumes while keeping budgets and available personnel in mind
• Is a creative problem solver with mechanical aptitude and the ability to visualize and implement solutions
• Promotes and supports solutions that are “out of the box” 
• Achieves labor and waste reduction through process optimization and automation
• Works with the production teams and the Senior Manufacturing Engineer to complete layouts of the facility and manufacturing lines to accommodate growth
• Works with the Design Engineering team to move products from the design stage through pre-production acceptance and into full production 
• Develops manufacturing and assembly processes
• Designs fixtures and tooling
• Develops labor costs and manufacturing bills of materials 
• Works with Quality and Design Engineering to identify opportunities to enhance overall quality 
• Implements processes or design changes that enhance or promote overall quality - Poka-yoke, Design for Assembly, and In-Process Testing
• Manages supplier issues
• Develops effective work instructions and other plant-level documentation
• Quickly addresses and develops solutions to quality problems identified by customers or engineering
• Works with Quality Engineering to develop thorough and efficient processes and procedures for incoming inspection - requires coordination with suppliers such that all are aware of required inspection processes
• Designs and constructs fixtures using 3D CAD/rapid prototyping and/or communicates desired design and specifications for fixtures and assembly equipment to internal and outside vendors.  Need to be open to both vendor and associate suggestions – a team approach
• Coordinates with Purchasing and Supply Chain to optimize material and component flow into the plant such that growth may be achieved with minimal disruptions or shut downs
• Supports the Senior Manufacturing Engineer in providing recommendations to the senior leadership team in developing long term expansion plans, including facility and equipment additions to support long term growth
• Will perform additional responsibilities when required 

Requirements

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or similar degree 
• 0-3 years in manufacturing operations 
• Established technical knowledge and ability in mechanical and/or manufacturing engineering disciplines
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of analytical ability, communication, and interpersonal skills required to build relationships with team members and customers to solve problems and resolve issues
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments with a medium level of autonomy and high accountability for results under the direction of the Senior Manufacturing Engineer 
• Must be a good listener that focuses on the meaningful implementation of improved processes with measurable results
• Maintains confidentiality of proprietary information
• Ability to maintain a professional atmosphere in a fast-paced environment with numerous interactions and interruptions
• High degree of initiative, self-motivation, and ability to motivate others
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Team Members and colleagues
• Comfortable with office pets (cats, dogs) 

Not Required but Nice to Have!

• Experience with consumer products and plastic injection molding operations and principles
• Experience with robotics, autonomous vehicle technology, and PLC’s 
• Experience with 3D CAD systems and rapid prototyping systems and processes

Benefits & Purrks: 

Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the “why”, and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow’s pet products—plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Whisker Parents Program
• 1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoption
• Pet Insurance
• 401K match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Top of the line equipment
• Pet-friendly office
• Whisker products and swag
• Continuing education Support
• On-site gym with Peloton
• Referral program

Statement of Inclusivity:

We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Whisker to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status.

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