Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in South Dakota

INTRODUCTION

We’re looking for a talented and experienced Manufacturing Engineer - Machining Focus to join our team in southeastern South Dakota and play a critical role in overseeing, improving, and optimizing machining and manufacturing processes. If you're passionate about efficiency, quality, and working alongside a highly skilled team of machinists and engineers, this is the role for you.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Evaluate existing machining and manufacturing processes to identify improvement opportunities.
- Develop and implement new machining processes, tooling, fixtures, and optimized production layouts.
- Design efficient process flows, sequences of operations, and detailed work instructions.
- Troubleshoot production issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Develop strategies to reduce cost, improve quality, and ensure sustainability in manufacturing.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance guidelines.
- Support the introduction of new capital equipment and technologies into production.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with machinists, designers, quality engineers, and test teams.
- Maintain technical documentation, process reports, and research logs.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years in CNC programming and process engineering, preferably in aerospace or other high-precision industries.
- Strong G-code skills.
- Ability to program and optimize 5-axis mills, Multi-axis lathes, Swiss Machines and Horizontal and Vertical Machining Centers.
- Expertise in developing cutting strategies for aluminum, steel and stainless steels.
- Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and specifications, and to adapt processes to floor conditions.
- Experience in establishing in-process and final inspection points; ability to operate CMMs and precision gauges.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; effective time management; clear cross-functional communication.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- GibbsCAM, WinCNC, and other CAM platforms
- Citizen Swiss, Makino HMC, Haas VMC, Mori Seiki, Okuma machines
- SolidWorks for 3D modeling and fixture design
- Hydraulic work holding systems
- Familiarity with ERP systems, data analysis tools, and process tracking
- Background in lean manufacturing, six sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies

WHAT MAKES YOU A GREAT FIT

You’re a high-level technical thinker who can balance hands-on production support with strategic process development. You thrive in a collaborative environment, but you’re also capable of driving independent initiatives from concept through implementation.

BENEFITS & PERKS

- Two medical plan options
- Dental & vision coverage
- Short-term & long-term disability
- Life insurance
- HSA with employer contribution
- 3% SIMPLE IRA match
- Voluntary benefits (Aflac, etc.)
- Accrued PTO starting on day one
- Paid Holidays
- Flexible work schedule
- A team-focused, growth-oriented culture