Manufacturing Engineer - Spartan Mowers

Who Are We?

The Intimidator Group, LLC was founded in Batesville, Arkansas in 2013 with the all-American, hardworking values they were raised with. Since then, the company has grown into several brands including Intimidator UTVs, Spartan Mowers, Bad Dawg Accessories, and eNVy Neighborhood Vehicles. Now part of The Toro Company family of brands - we are excited to be part of a growing, innovative organization and invite you to join our team!

The Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for development and support of automation and smart tools, data systems, and assembly line support.  This role will also be responsible for determining methods, processes, and equipment required in the manufacturing and assembly of metal fabricated components. Responsibilities also include: developing, analyzing and documenting cost information for new product development, design and cost improvement, maintenance, make vs. buy, and managing product cost to target.  Specifically, Manuf. Engr. support for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Atlas Copco Smart tools, Data collection tools and software, and assembly line support.  Other areas that may receive support include but are not limited to welding, laser cutters (tube and flat stock), press brake, paint, and assembly areas at TORO – Batesville.

What Will You Do?

In order to grow and build a successful career with The Toro Company, you will be responsible for: 

• Provide engineering expertise to aid in the development of annual and long-term business plans.  Designs, justifies, develops, and implements the engineering portions of the plans.

• Prepares IAR's; coordinates the investigation, selection, installation, prove-out and training to successfully integrate projects into the unit.

• Determine parts to be produced within the Value Stream.  Provides manufacturing input and coordination to design project teams to assure timely and effective new part introductions, primarily, manufacturing of weldments and supports of flat and tubular stock.

• Provide support for key or specialized processes with functions such as tool design, tool and work cell layouts, fixture design and enhancements, creation of standard work, evaluation and direction in weld techniques and process improvements, robotic weld programming, CNC programming, set-up data/procedures and metallurgical analysis, and implementation of Lean Enterprise through material flow and changeover reduction.

Safety:

• To ensure that all safety rules and programs are followed and maintained within the assigned area of responsibility. 

• Responsible for proper ergonomics in workstation setup, processes, tooling, and safety equipment. 

• Conduct ergonomic audits during production and startups. 

• Regularly incorporate and document safety information, equipment or tooling needs into production processes by station. 

• Assist Supervisors in accepting employees back to original work areas and assist in proper employee assignment. 

• Document equipment and workstation process modifications. 

Process Support:

• Leads and/or participates in capital equipment requests – assists in feasibility studies, justifications, and vendor sourcing.  Directs approved projects.

• Seeks and recommends ways to improve productivity:

  • Ergonomics and Lean Workplace Layout

  • Labor Standards

  • Material flow

  • Write/develop Standard Work

• AGV Trouble Shooting and programming

• Smart Tool Trouble Shooting and set up

• Management of IBASE Data Collection uploads and configuration.

• Management of Routings and rates used for production reporting in SAP

• Robot Weld Programming – develop new programs, optimize existing programs, and provide on-site training and trouble-shooting support, including preventative maintenance schedules.

• Optimize welding applications through selection of equipment and materials, quality control procedures, and testing/inspection methods.

• Other duties as assigned.

Product Development:

• As core team member, participates with product development teams from concept evaluation/selection through prototype construction/evaluation to full production;  advises the team on tradeoffs related to manufacturing process (subject matter expert); leads manufacturing process capability studies as needed to support product development; working with the AME and the team, makes decisions on key elements of manufacturing process design;  leads preparation of production area and pilot run activities.

• Assumes responsibility for the manufacturability of the product by providing manufacturing feedback to the team as it relates to DFMA.

• Works closely with the Tooling and New Products groups to develop optimal production tooling that provides the safest processes and highest quality assemblies, taking into consideration poka-yoke principles and new technologies. 

• Investigates and implements the use of new technologies and methodologies that can be incorporated into the product design and manufacturing processes to reduce costs, enhance product performance and quality and/or enhance the state of the art of manufacturing or product development.

• Assumes the primary leadership role of weld related activities during the manufacturing of Pilot units.

• Work directly with Quality daily to certify and approve that all new and existing tooling is qualified under current ISO procedures.

​Product Support:

• Utilizing lean techniques develops and maintains engineered labor standards on manufacturing operations and weld booth balancing to improve safety, quality and productivity.

• Ensures Bill of Material accuracy.

• Implements cost reduction programs through kaizen activities, value analysis and cost avoidance.

• Helps coordinate product rework.

• Reviews production notes to implement corrective action or request design changes and documents such activities in Production notes.  Monitors validations and warranty reports and responds to issues. 

• Making decisions sometimes without design approval.

• Process engineering change modification per design engineer’s request.

Supervision:

• The manufacturing Engineer may be responsible for supervision of Manufacturing and Assembly personnel in the absence of the Production Supervisor when requested to do so by the Engineering Manager.

• May select, train, and evaluate personnel in accordance with established policy.

• May handle employee discipline in line with company policy and working agreement in the absence of the Production Supervisor. 

• May supervise direct or indirect labor areas as required.

What Do You Need?

To be considered for this role, an individual should meet the following minimal requirements: 

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Welding, Manufacturing, or related field

• Manufacturing Engineer 1-0-2 years experience in various manufacturing disciplines.

• Manufacturing Engineer 2- 2-4 years experience in various manufacturing disciplines.

• Manufacturing Engineer 3-5+ years experience in various manufacturing disciplines.

• Must possess strong project leadership and organizational skills and be able to handle multiple priorities. 

• Excellent problem solving and trouble shooting skills.

• Working Knowledge of AGVs, Smart Tools, and Data Systems strongly preferred.

• Experience programming Unitronics PLC's and Universal Robotics cobot programming Beneficial.

• Welding skills are preferred; Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification a plus.

• Robotic weld programming experience strongly preferred, specifically Fanuc robotic arms.

• Knowledge and experience with implementation of Lean Enterprise philosophies preferred.

• Working knowledge of CNC programming of parts on CNC benders, press brakes, laser cutters.

What Can We Give You?   

At Spartan Mowers, we are always working to make sure our employees know just how valued they are. In addition to a competitive salary, an affordable and top tier medical/dental/vision plan, 401k, and many other great benefits – Spartan Mowers offers employees at our Batesville, AR location a variety of perks, including:  

Dress for your day - We know you're more productive when you're comfortable, which is why employees are encouraged to take advantage of our casual, office-plant blended environment. 

Wellness - In addition to physical wellbeing, TTC offers a variety of mental health, financial health, and other types of resources to every full-time employee. 

Volunteerism - The Toro Company is proud to provide employees 20 hours of paid time to volunteer in the community. 

Growth Opportunities – TTC prides itself on giving our employees the chance to grow their careers. Tuition reimbursement, opportunities to move into new areas of interest, and promotion opportunities are a few examples.  

Competitive Salary – The pay range takes into account skills, experience, education, and location. It is not common to be hired at or near the top of the range; compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Cash compensation is one piece of our competitive total rewards package. If you need to, you can access your pay early with the One@Work app, formerly the Even app.

#LI-Onsite

At The Toro Company, we are committed to fostering a secure and trustworthy recruitment process for our Applicants.  Recruitment fraud is a potential threat to job seekers, so please be aware that throughout our recruitment process, you’ll never be required to pay any fees or disclose personal financial details when applying to TTC opportunities 

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  

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