Sr. Manufacturing Engineer (Welding & Automation) - Leeds, AL

Job Overview

Hubbell's Connectors Location is seeking a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer (Welding & Automation) to support the development, optimization, and sustainment of manufacturing processes within a high‑mix/low‑volume production environment. While this role has a primary technical emphasis on welding, grinding, and robotic/cobot automation, it is not limited to those processes. The Manufacturing Engineer is expected to apply strong engineering fundamentals to a wide range of manufacturing operations, supporting overall plant performance, safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

 

This is a hands-on, shop-floor–focused role requiring deep technical expertise in automated welding and material removal processes, combined with the flexibility and capability to contribute to other manufacturing processes and continuous improvement initiatives, including manual, semi‑automated, and non-robotic operations as required.
The ideal candidate is highly engaged in day‑to‑day production, capable of leading automation initiatives while also partnering across disciplines to solve broader manufacturing challenges.

A Day In The Life

• Core Focus – Welding, Grinding, and Automation:
  
  • Lead the development, improvement, and standardization of manufacturing processes with an emphasis on welding, grinding, and robotic/cobot automation, while remaining adaptable to support other manufacturing processes.
  • Own process design and optimization for automated and semi‑automated systems, including robotic welding cells, grinding systems, cobot-assisted operations, and manual interfaces.
  • Provide technical leadership for automation initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, OEE improvement, quality enhancement, ergonomics, and labor optimization.
  • Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize daily shop‑floor performance of robotic cells, cobot applications, manual welding stations, grinding processes, and supporting fabrication equipment.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve welding, grinding, automation, fixturing, and equipment-related issues to minimize downtime and ensure stable production.
• Broader Manufacturing Engineering Responsibilities:
  
  • Support and lead manufacturing process improvements outside of welding and automation, including manual assembly, fabrication, material handling, and other production operations as business needs dictate.
  • Apply Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies across all manufacturing processes.
  • Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, controls, and product engineering teams to develop, refine, and sustain manufacturing processes across the facility.
  • Analyze manufacturing and quality data (defect trends, downtime, scrap, cycle times) to identify improvement opportunities and drive corrective actions across multiple process areas.
  • Support new product launches, engineering changes, and production ramp-ups through process development, validation, and documentation.
• Leadership, Documentation, and Project Execution:
  
  • Establish technical priorities, manage engineering workload, and ensure timely execution of manufacturing and automation projects.
  • Develop, maintain, and standardize manufacturing documentation, including:
  • Standard work instructions
  • Welding procedures and parameters
  • Robot and cobot programs and backups
  • PFMEAs, control plans, and process flow diagrams
  • Lead the design, specification, and implementation of new equipment, tooling, fixtures, automation systems, and material handling solutions.
  • Conduct feasibility studies, develop manufacturing concepts, and perform ROI analyses for capital and improvement projects.
  • Support capital projects including justification, vendor selection, FAT/SAT, installation, commissioning, and production handoff.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, robotic safety requirements, and applicable welding and manufacturing codes.
  • Provide technical training, mentoring, and guidance to engineers, technicians, operators, and maintenance personnel.
  • Prepare technical reports and documentation to track process capability, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Promote a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence across manufacturing and engineering teams.

What will help you thrive in this role?

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (General, Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical)
• 6+ years of experience in an engineering function supporting shop-floor support
• Experience in welding, grinding, and robotic/cobot automation
• Experience with CAD/CAM software, such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD 
• Experience with Lean Manufa