ABOUT US

Lafayette Instrument has a 75+ year legacy of designing, manufacturing, and supporting scientific instruments for biometric applications to advance security, science, and medicine. We are a global organization headquartered in Lafayette IN with offices in Canada and the UK. We care about what we do and how we do it. We value integrity, collaboration, innovation, and excellence for real world customer impact. We take pride in what we do and we stand behind all our products and strive for the highest level of customer service possible. That mission motivates our people and our work and is a driving force behind our commitment to quality product design and superior customer service.

POSITION SUMMARY

The job is located in Lafayette, IN. This is a full-time, permanent position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with voluntary overtime as needed. Travel is not required for this role.
As a key contributor to our manufacturing operations, the Manufacturing Engineer plays a critical role in driving productivity, quality, and innovation across the production floor. This position is essential to ensuring our machining processes are efficient, safe, and continuously improving. By leveraging advanced manufacturing methodologies, the Manufacturing Engineer helps reduce waste, optimize workflows, and support the successful introduction of new products. Their close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including machinists, production staff, and engineers ensures that our operations not only meet high standards of precision and compliance, but also remain agile and competitive. This role directly impacts our ability to deliver high-quality products on time and at cost, making it vital to the long-term success and growth of our company.

QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES)

Education/Licenses/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering or industrial engineering, or equivalent

Required Experience

• Mechanical and Technical Skills: Requires strong understanding of CAD/CAM technology
• Strong Math Skills
• Ability to read variety of gauges (micrometers, indicators, calipers)
• Problem Solving Skills to troubleshoot and resolve problems
• Bachelor’s degree in MfE, IE, or related field, or 4 years of relevant experience
• Machinist background, CNC programming experience (G-Code, M-Code)
• Excellent mechanical aptitude
• Technical knowledge of relevant manufacturing processes
• Able to work with personnel at all levels of the organization

_ Preferred Experience_

• Bachelor’s degree plus five (5) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with Fusion360 programming
• Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques and quality control
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements
• Knowledge of ISO Quality Standards

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand on concrete for up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to stand, sit, stoop, bend, crawl, reach and lift things over your head when necessary
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Able to use hands and fingers and work with hand tools, controls and other objects
• Regularly able to talk and hear
• Vision requirements – close, distance, color, peripheral, depth and ability to adjust focus

Skills & Attributes

• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (Fusion360, SolidWorks, Mazakam) for fixture design and CNC programming
• Strong understanding of machining principles, cutting tool selection, and material behavior
• Skilled in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams)
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing documentation (BOMs, routings, travelers)
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and precision measurement tools
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and translate them into efficient manufacturing processes
• Excellent analytical skills with a data-driven approach to problem solving
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across engineering, production, and quality teams
• Comfortable leading projects, managing timelines, and driving accountability
• Knowledge of ISO standards, OSHA regulations, and safety best practices in a machine shop environment

WHAT WE BRING

We offer an excellent benefit plan, performance incentives, 401K matching, an Employee Assistance Program and Adoption assistance, in addition to vacation time and many other benefits. Our office is welcoming and steps away from walking trails. Our company is committed to supporting a healthy work-life balance.
Working for a small company can offer numerous advantages for candidates seeking a dynamic and collaborative work environment. Unlike larger corporations, where roles can be more specialized and limited in scope, small companies provide a unique opportunity to accelerate your growth by giving you the opportunity to explore and expand your skills in various areas. This exposure allows you to develop a diverse skill set by working closely with professionals from various fields.
We value diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified people to apply. If we can make this easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please let us know. All applicants must be eligible to work in the US and pass a preemployment background check and drug screen. Lafayette Instrument Company (LIC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Drug-Free Workplace and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.
We will review applications as they are received and look forward to hearing from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• Manufacturing engineering: 4 years (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lafayette, IN 47904: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In perso

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for CNC machining and manual operations to improve throughput, quality, and cost-efficiency
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to reduce waste, minimize downtime, and enhance workflow
• Design and refine tooling, fixtures, and jigs to improve part accuracy, reduce setup time, and increase operator safety
• Collaborate with machinists and production staff to troubleshoot process bottlenecks and implement corrective actions
• Analyze production data and metrics to identify trends, root causes of defects, and opportunities for improvement
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by developing manufacturing plans, process documentation, and work instructions
• Conduct time studies and capacity analysis to support production planning and resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, OSHA, and internal quality standards through audits, documentation, and training
• Drive 5S and visual management practices across the shop floor to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace
• Partner with design engineering to provide manufacturability feedback during product development
• Evaluate and recommend new equipment, software, and technologies to enhance machining capabilities and reduce cycle times
• Lead cross-functional teams in problem-solving workshops and process mapping exercises
• Maintain and improve ERP system data related to routings, BOMs, and work centers
• Train and mentor shop personnel on best practices, safety protocols, and lean principles