Manufacturing Engineer
ZF · North Mankato, MN
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $68k–$95k
- Degree
- Preferred
- Experience asked
- 1+ years
- Industry
- Automotive
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at ZF (automotive) in North Mankato, MN. Take a lead role in developing a business case for capital investment in production processes and associated equipment, aiming to enhance overall operational efficiency.
- They ask for
- 1+ years · degree preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause, PLC, CNC, Machining
- Base pay
- $68k–$95k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Minnesota: typical posted base $101k–$155k. This one lists $68k–$95k.
Median of the low and high ends of 31 live postings that list pay, out of 51 manufacturing engineer openings in Minnesota, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Minnesota plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 50 other live manufacturing postings in Minnesota.
- Base pay
- About 33% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (1+ vs 5+)
Typical $93k–$149k, from 27 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Tooling 47%
- ✓ Lean 41%
- New product launch 33%
- Team leadership 31%
- ✓ Root cause 29%
- EHS / safety 25%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for PLC, CNC, 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 ZF
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 does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- 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: ZF in North Mankato
2 other open roles at this site.
- Process Quality Engineer · Quality
- Production Supervisor · Production · Supervisor
Manufacturing Engineer at ZF in other locations
ZF lists this title in 5 places. Pick the plant you can get to.
Full description from ZFAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Req ID 90945 | North Mankato, MN, United States ZF Off-Highway Solutions Minnesota Inc.
Job Description
We are hiring 2 Manufacturing Engineers!
One Manufacturing Engineer will focus on supporting the CNC Machining area of Production. One Manufacturing Engineer will focus on supporting the Assembly area of Production.
About the team
The Manufacturing Engineering team plays a pivotal role at ZF Off Highway Solutions by constantly driving technical advancements and cutting-edge solutions. The department's commitment to continuous improvement and hands-on problem-solving reflects our proactive and adaptive approach, making us a key contributor to the overall success of the company.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
What you can look forward to as Manufacturing Engineer
- •Foster collaboration with product engineering teams, ensuring the manufacturability of assembly and test specifications
- •Provide assistance in resolving issues related to the interpretation of drawings, product design, manufacturing methods, and product performance.
- •Collaborate with new product and process development teams to establish new bills of resources, develop routings, determine labor and machinery production cycle times, and contribute input data for product cost calculations.
- •Develop end of line test processes and program PLCs using LabView software AND/OR Develop CNC machining processes and program CNC equipment using Mastercam software
- •Hands on work and design of test apparatuses including flow meters, pressure transducers, electrical components etc.
- •Take a lead role in developing a business case for capital investment in production processes and associated equipment, aiming to enhance overall operational efficiency.
- •Participate in root cause analysis using 8D, lean 6 sigma, 5 why analysis, etc.
Your profile as Manufacturing Engineer
- •Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering or related field preferred
- •OR five to seven years in a technical position related to a precision manufacturing environment in lieu of BS degree
- •Proficiency in Mastercam software
- •1+ years of relevant experience
- •Experience working with CNC machines (Machining)
- •Preferred experience in hydraulic systems (Machining)
- •Preferred experience in LabView software (Assembly)
- •Preferred experience in hydraulic systems (Assembly)
- •Proven experience in manufacturing technology, or a related field
- •Excellent written communication ability
- •Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles
- •Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- •Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
What we offer at ZF in North Mankato, MN
- •Annual Incentive Plan
- •Paid time off
- •401k Plan
- •Health Care Benefits
- •Paid Holidays
- •A supportive collaborative team environment
- •Tuition reimbursement for educational advancement
- •A strong diverse culture
- •Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities
About North Mankato
North Mankato combines small-town charm with modern amenities, a strong economy, vibrant arts scene, and recreational options. Located near Minneapolis/St. Paul, it offers excellent livability and quality of life.
Be part of our ZF team as Manufacturing Engineer and apply now!
Contact
Gabriela Palacio
+1 734 855 2321
Diversity commitment
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice.
With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility.