Manufacturing Engineer
Tenneco · Blacksburg, VA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Automotive
- Posted
- 18 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Tenneco (automotive) in Blacksburg, VA. Develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, Root cause, SPC
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 22 other live manufacturing postings in Virginia.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $79k–$126k, from 8 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 70%
- ✓ Lean 48%
- ✓ Root cause 35%
- ✓ New product launch 35%
- ✓ Automation 30%
- ✓ 5S 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Kaizen, SPC, IATF 16949, Robotics, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Tenneco
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Tenneco in Blacksburg
1 other open role at this site.
- Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist · Lean / CI · Senior
Full description from TennecoAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Position Summary
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for applying engineering principles, lean manufacturing techniques, and analytical problem-solving methods to establish, maintain, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, equipment, and product quality. This position works closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Continuous Improvement, and Operations teams to improve safety, productivity, quality, and cost performance while supporting customer
requirements
and plant objectives.
The Manufacturing Engineer provides hands-on support to production operations and serves as a technical resource for process improvements, new product launches, automation initiatives, capital projects, and troubleshooting activities within a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.
Required
- ✓Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Required
- ✓Minimum 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- ✓Experience with process improvement, equipment troubleshooting, and manufacturing optimization.
- ✓Experience leading projects and implementing process improvements.
Requirements
- ✓Ability to stand and walk on the manufacturing floor for extended periods.
- ✓Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and reaching while performing engineering and troubleshooting activities.
- ✓Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
- ✓Ability to work around moving machinery, material handling equipment, automated systems, and industrial manufacturing equipment.
- ✓Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and other required safety equipment.
- ✓Visual ability to inspect products, review engineering drawings, operate equipment controls, and perform detailed analysis.
- ✓Manual dexterity required to operate computers, measuring devices, hand tools, and manufacturing equipment con
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Manufacturing & Process Improvement
- •Develop, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
- •Investigate and resolve manufacturing issues involving tooling, equipment, materials, and production processes.
- •Analyze workflow, labor utilization, machine capacity, and facility layouts to maximize operational efficiency.
- •Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions related to quality, process, and equipment concerns.
- •Establish and maintain process documentation, standard work instructions, PFMEAs, control plans, and process flow diagrams.
- •Support and drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen, visual management, waste reduction, and continuous improvement activities.
- •Evaluate manufacturing feasibility for new products and process changes.
Equipment & Technical Support
- •Provide technical support for production equipment, automation systems, robotics, PLCs, vision systems, coating operations, molding processes, and assembly equipment.
- •Assist in troubleshooting production equipment to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
- •Recommend and implement equipment, tooling, and process modifications.
- •Coordinate equipment installations, process validations, and production launches.
- •Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives.
Project Management
- •Assist in developing and managing capital and expense budgets for manufacturing improvements.
- •Lead assigned capital projects from concept through implementation.
- •Support plant cost reduction initiatives through productivity improvements and waste elimination.
- •Estimate production rates, tooling requirements, setup costs, and manufacturing costs for new products and processes.
Training & Leadership
- •Train employees and technical personnel on equipment setup, operating procedures, safety requirements, and troubleshooting techniques.
- •Provide leadership and guidance during continuous improvement initiatives and project implementation.
- •Work cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and CI teams to achieve plant objectives.
- •Demonstrate leadership characteristics and promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Safety & Compliance
- •Follow all Tenneco safety policies and procedures.
- •Actively promote a safe work environment and identify opportunities to reduce workplace hazards.
- •Support compliance with customer requirements, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, CQI standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- •Exercise authority to stop any activity that presents a safety risk or violates company policies.
- •Participate in safety investigations, audits, and corrective action activities.
Preferred
- +Advanced certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Automation, or Project Management.
Preferred
- +Automotive manufacturing experience.
- +Experience with PLC programming, robotics, welding, automation, machine vision, or industrial controls.
- +Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- •Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- •Extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and practical application.
- •Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- •Strong communication and leadership skills.
- •Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing-related software systems.
- •Knowledge of process capability, statistical analysis, SPC, and root cause analysis methodologies.
- •Demonstrated sense of urgency and results-oriented mindset.
- •Strong organizational and project management skills.
Physical