Manufacturing Engineer, Torque Tubes

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Oversee concurrent engineering (DFM/DFMA), supplier process readiness, industrialization, and the execution of engineering changes for steel torque tubes and connection features.

• Create and implement tube manufacturing processes that encompass coil preparation and tube forming all the way through to welding, sizing, cutting, end forming, hole making, and corrosion protection.

• Assist in the launch, commissioning, and ramp-up of torque tube manufacturing lines at both domestic and international supplier facilities.

• Engage in product development from initial concept through to design release, providing DFM/DFMA insights.

• Examine drawings, specifications, GD&T, and design modifications; identify manufacturing risks and propose effective solutions.

• Direct process development for coil handling, slitting, roll forming, seam welding, sizing, straightening, cutting, end forming, punching/drilling, and coating protection.

• Organize prototype builds, supplier trials, and production validations; check dimensions, weld quality, connection fit, and coating integrity.

• Spearhead value engineering and cost reduction initiatives by optimizing material usage, tooling, line speed, changeover, yield, and scrap management.

• Establish manufacturing readiness deliverables such as process flows, PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions, inspection methods, traceability, packaging standards, and ramp criteria.

• Perform supplier readiness audits and capacity studies; initiate corrective actions as needed.

• Implement process controls, in-line inspections, error-proofing, automation, and Lean methodologies utilizing OEE, yield, scrap, downtime, and capability data.

• Specify technical requirements for tube mills, welding systems, cutting/end-forming apparatus, gauges, and handling systems; develop FAT/SAT protocols and assist with installation, commissioning, and training.

• Review and authorize engineering changes in the PLM system; confirm supplier implementation, tooling/process updates, traceability, and inventory transitions.

• Provide technical escalation support and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for both manufacturing and field issues.

• Document and implement best practices for tube mill setup, tooling, welding, inspection, safe handling, and packaging.

• Take part in NPI and cross-functional readiness reviews; relay information on capacity, validation results, risks, corrective actions, and launch status.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.

• A minimum of 10 years of pertinent manufacturing engineering or industrialization experience with steel tubes, roll-formed sections, or structural steel components in either an OEM or contract manufacturing setting.

• At least 5 years of expertise in DFM, steel tube manufacturing processes, or steel processing machinery, including leading CAPEX projects to integrate equipment in factories.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience working with large OEM customers in the renewable energy, automotive, or industrial manufacturing sectors.

• Proven ability to impact design releases through DFM/DFMA, translate supplier process capability into design needs, and validate designs in a production context.

• Strong practical knowledge of roll forming and welded steel tube production, including HF/ERW or equivalent seam welding, tooling setup, sizing, straightening, cutting, end forming, and hole making.

• Experience in leading supplier process and tooling readiness, validation builds, production ramp-up, and on-site troubleshooting.

• Familiarity with PLM-based engineering change management and controlled implementation across suppliers.

• Capability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, steel material specifications, and coating requirements.

• Proficiency in CAD collaboration using SolidWorks or a similar tool.

• Working knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk), MSA, Lean/Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Pareto).

• Practical understanding of weld inspection, destructive or nondestructive testing, dimensional gauging, and corrosion protection for tubing.

• Ability to influence suppliers and cross-functional partners, negotiate technical solutions, and make timely evidence-based decisions.

• Experience collaborating with global, cross-functional, and multicultural teams.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

• Demonstrated capability to manage complex technical changes and achieve measurable improvements using quantitative data.

• Proficient in managing competing priorities and driving technical risk closure across multiple supplier locations.

• Flexibility to work varied schedules occasionally for global teams.

• Willingness to travel 30% both internationally and domestically.

• Preferred certifications include Six Sigma Green Belt, PMP, Lean Manufacturing, Journeyman, or other relevant industry credentials.

• Direct experience with both domestic and offshore Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers is preferred.

• Experience with solar tracker torque tubes, structural tubing, new tube forming or end-connection processes, high-strength or coated steel tube production, and process standardization is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Contribute directly to accelerating the global transition to renewable energy.

• Collaborate with world-class engineers, suppliers, and partners across continents.

• Thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven, high-growth environment.

• Engage in an empowered culture that values bold ideas, authentic collaboration, and excellence.

• Enjoy an equal opportunity and inclusive work environment.