Manufacturing Engineer I (Entry-Level)
About the position
The Manufacturing Engineer I position supporting the Manson, North Carolina and Lumberton, North Carolina corrugated packaging facilities offers an opportunity to gain hands-on manufacturing experience while supporting initiatives that improve safety, equipment reliability, production efficiency, product quality, and operating costs. Working alongside experienced plant leaders, maintenance teams, and production personnel, the Manufacturing Engineer will analyze operational performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support the execution of engineering and capital projects. The role provides opportunities to develop technical expertise and leadership capabilities through direct involvement in daily manufacturing operations, cross-functional problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Work in a corrugated box manufacturing facility, collaborating with production employees, maintenance teams, contractors, and plant leadership.
- Demonstrate safety leadership by identifying potential hazards, following established safety procedures, wearing appropriate PPE, and exercising stop-work authority when unsafe conditions are observed.
- Identify, develop, and implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce waste, improve manufacturing efficiency, and lower operating costs.
- Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify losses, quantify improvement opportunities, and measure results.
- Partner with operations and maintenance teams to investigate equipment failures, identify root causes, and improve equipment reliability.
- Coordinate and manage improvement projects, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution.
- Improve standard operating procedures, work instructions, and operator training materials to support consistent and efficient operations.
- Collaborate with production and quality teams to investigate product defects, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions that improve product quality and manufacturing consistency.
- Support the planning, coordination, and execution of capital improvement projects alongside experienced engineering, maintenance, and plant leadership personnel.
- Coordinate contractor activities to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with project requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Packaging, or Paper Science Engineering required by December 2026.
- Strong interest in working in a heavy manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety.
- Ability to learn quickly, adapt to a dynamic manufacturing environment, and effectively manage change.
- Highly motivated, results-driven self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated leadership experience through internships, co-ops, employment, supervisory roles, student organizations, or academic projects.
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with employees at all levels, including hourly operators, engineers, contractors, peers, and management.
- Willingness to relocate to the assigned manufacturing facility, with potential future relocation opportunities based on career interests and business needs.
- Access to reliable transportation.
Nice-to-haves
- Previous manufacturing internship or co-op experience preferred.
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Life insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Short-term and Long-term Disability
- 401(k)
- Company-funded retirement contributions
- Paid Time Off
- Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement)
- Student Loan Repayment Assistance
- Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets
