Manufacturing & Project Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Houston, TX Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt Department: Production Reports To: Vice President of Production Industry: Manufacturing

About RAM Windows & Doors

RAM Windows & Doors is a rapidly growing manufacturer of residential and commercial windows and doors. RAM has manufactured high-end custom windows since 1978 and expanded its offering in 2021 to include high-end custom exterior doors. The company continues to expand its product lines and market presence, creating opportunities for hardworking, motivated and results-driven professionals.

Position Summary

RAM Windows & Doors is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to serve as a versatile technical resource for the Production department. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Production and works closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality and Planning.

The primary focus of this role is the design, fabrication and continuous improvement of jigs, fixtures, tooling, workstations and manufacturing processes. The Manufacturing Engineer will also support CNC programming, throughput and process-improvement initiatives, standard work development, equipment implementation and the transition of production data into the company’s ERP system.

This is a hands-on manufacturing engineering role. The successful candidate will spend significant time on the production floor designing, building, testing and improving tooling and processes—not solely analyzing them from a desk.

The ideal candidate has strong practical manufacturing experience, excellent mechanical aptitude and the ability to quickly understand equipment, processes and production problems. We value demonstrated manufacturing ability and completed projects more heavily than certifications or purely academic experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Tooling, Fixture & Workstation Design

• Design, build, test and improve jigs, fixtures, gauges, templates, carts, workstations and other manufacturing aids for saw, CNC, machining, fabrication and assembly operations.
• Create and revise fixture designs, part drawings and workstation layouts using SolidWorks, AutoCAD or comparable CAD software.
• Work directly with operators and supervisors to understand manufacturing problems and develop practical solutions.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, internal fabrication personnel, machine shops and outside vendors to manufacture tooling and fixtures.
• Assist directly with fabrication, assembly, installation and modification of tooling and equipment as needed.
• Validate tooling performance on the production floor and revise designs based on operator feedback, measured results and actual production use.
• Research and recommend equipment, tooling, fixtures, automation and material-handling solutions.

CNC Programming & Manufacturing Support

• Learn the company’s CNC equipment, controls and programming methods.
• Develop the ability to write, edit, troubleshoot and optimize CNC programs.
• Support program prove-out, machine setups and troubleshooting in coordination with operators and Maintenance.
• Design fixturing and workholding to improve CNC setup time, accuracy, repeatability and throughput.
• Assist with machining and manufacturing process development for new and existing products.

Throughput & Process Improvement

• Observe production processes directly and identify bottlenecks, excessive labor, rework, downtime, unnecessary motion and other forms of waste.
• Conduct time studies, process observations and capacity analyses.
• Establish baseline measurements before implementing improvements and verify results after implementation.
• Improve manufacturing flow, workstation layout, material presentation and operator methods.
• Develop and implement standard work, work instructions and visual controls.
• Train employees on new tooling, equipment, processes and work methods.
• Apply Lean manufacturing principles such as 5S, standard work, one-piece flow, waste reduction and continuous improvement where appropriate.
• Participate in and lead focused process-improvement activities.
• Prepare basic cost estimates, labor-savings calculations and payback analyses for tooling, equipment and process-improvement proposals.
• Support equipment installation, process trials, production launches and employee training.

Systems & Reporting

• Assist in transitioning production information such as routings, cycle times, process data and work instructions from local spreadsheets and tribal knowledge into the company’s ERP system.
• Maintain accurate manufacturing documentation as processes are developed or changed.
• Provide regular updates to the Vice President of Production regarding project status, results, risks and decisions required.
• Manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously and follow projects through implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on experience designing, building or implementing manufacturing jigs, fixtures, tooling, workstations or similar production solutions.
• Practical experience working directly in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks, AutoCAD or comparable CAD software.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, dimensions, tolerances, specifications and bills of materials.
• Practical knowledge of machining, fabrication, assembly and manufacturing methods.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving ability.
• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing problems and develop practical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new equipment, software and manufacturing processes quickly.
• Ability to work effectively with operators, supervisors, Maintenance personnel, vendors and technical personnel.
• Ability to lead projects and drive implementation without direct supervisory authority.
• Ability to balance hands-on problem solving with basic data analysis and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Typically 1 to 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, tooling design, process engineering, machining, manufacturing technology or a related shop-floor technical role. Candidates with additional relevant hands-on experience are also encouraged to apply.

Education

Degree or certificate from a vocational, technical or accredited college program in engineering, engineering technology, machining, tool and die, mechanical design or a related field; or equivalent hands-on experience in tooling, machining, fabrication or manufacturing.

A four-year engineering degree is not required for candidates who can demonstrate strong practical manufacturing capability.

Preferred Qualifications

• CNC programming experience, including G-code and/or CAM software.
• Experience designing CNC workholding and machining fixtures.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing methods, including 5S, standard work, one-piece flow, waste reduction and continuous improvement.
• Experience conducting time studies, cycle-time analysis or basic capacity analysis.
• Experience developing manufacturing work instructions and standard work.
• Experience with ERP or MRP systems.
• Experience in custom, make-to-order or high-mix manufacturing.
• Experience in windows and doors, building products, aluminum fabrication, extrusion machining or glass.
• Experience with pneumatics, sensors, automation or basic controls.
• Experience with 3D printing, prototyping or rapid fabrication methods.
• Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills.

Physical & Other Requirements

• Approximately 40% to 50% of the workday may involve desk and computer work, with the remainder involving work in active production and manufacturing areas.
• Regular walking and standing in manufacturing and warehouse environments.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching and climbing stairs.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment, forklifts, fabrication processes and material-handling systems.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment in designated areas.
• Ability to travel to company facilities, vendor locations or job sites when required.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record when travel is required.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional early mornings, evenings or weekends may be required to support production trials, equipment installations and project deadlines.

Benefits

RAM Windows & Doors currently offers eligible employees:

• 10 paid time-off days
• 2 floating paid time-off days
• 8 paid company holidays
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-paid accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings program with up to a 4% company match
• Casual dress code
• Weekly pay

Benefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements, plan terms, company policies and future modification.

Equal Employment Opportunity

RAM Industries Acquisition, LLC is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the Company, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended.