Manufacturing Engineer II

Manufacturing Engineer II

Status: Exempt (salaried)                                         

Department: Operations/Manufacturing Engineering

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer II independently owns process improvement initiatives, tooling projects, and manufacturing systems on assigned lines, operating at the Engineer II level of Plug's Engineering Contributor Track. This role goes beyond first response: the ME II identifies systemic process weaknesses, leads structured root cause investigations, and drives sustainable corrective actions. Demonstrating growing subject matter expertise, the ME II manages multiple projects concurrently with periodic supervision, mentors Level I engineers, and leads Lean/Kaizen events. Core competencies at this level include collaborating, leveraging feedback, continuous learning, managing work, and decision-making.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Own the manufacturing process for assigned product lines, including process routings, control plans, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions.
• Lead structured root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) for recurring production issues, driving corrective actions to closure and validating effectiveness through data.
• Independently lead Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen improvement events on assigned lines, setting measurable targets and sustaining gains through standard work.
• Lead tooling and fixture design projects from concept through qualification, managing vendor relationships and acceptance criteria.
• Conduct Job Hazard Assessments (JHAs) for new and modified operations, partnering with EHS to implement safety and ergonomic controls.
• Own control plan development and maintenance in coordination with Quality Engineering, linking critical process parameters to PFMEA detection rankings.
• Manage ECN implementation on the production floor, independently assessing impact and driving routing, tooling, and work instruction updates.
• Lead deviation and nonconformance disposition for process-related escapes, providing data and recommending disposition with supporting justification.
• Develop and own rework instruction documentation for assigned product lines.
• Lead or support new production equipment deployment including IQ/OQ/PQ activities and operator training.
• Provide technical mentorship and day-to-day guidance to Manufacturing Engineer I staff.
• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Core Competencies

Per Plug's Engineering Career Pathways framework, the following core competencies are expected at this level:

Collaborating

Works cooperatively with others to help the team achieve its goals; shares information, asks for input, and fulfills team responsibilities.

Leveraging Feedback

Takes full advantage of feedback opportunities; welcomes and actively explores feedback to improve knowledge, skills, and behavior.

Continuous Learning

Actively identifies new areas for learning; regularly creates and takes advantage of learning opportunities and applies new skills on the job.

Managing Work

Effectively manages time and resources to ensure work is completed efficiently; prioritizes tasks, schedules appropriately, and stays focused.

Decision-Making

Identifies problems and opportunities, gathers and interprets information, generates alternatives, and chooses effective courses of action in a timely manner.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline required; Master's degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of manufacturing engineering experience with demonstrated progression in process ownership and project leadership.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent) preferred; experience with tooling and fixture design.
• Experience with ERP systems required; familiarity with MES systems preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead Lean/Kaizen events and sustain improvements through standard work.
• Strong proficiency in structured problem-solving methods (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa).
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or equivalent) preferred.
• Manages multiple projects concurrently; requires periodic supervision.
• Exempt employees are expected to work as many hours as is necessary to complete their job responsibilities.  This may require they work more than eight hours a day and more than five days or 40 hours per week.   

Pay Rate:

$76,900.00 - $115,400.00

We offer a fantastic total rewards package at Plug, and a brief summary is below:
✓Base salary is determined on a number of factors including but not limited to education, experience, skills, and geography. These factors are considered when making an offer of employment.  If you are interested in this position, we’d ask that you apply.
✓The above pay range, may not take into account local geographic pay variations. If there is an applicable geographic differential, a member of the HR team can discuss that with you.
✓Health, Dental & Vision Insurance eligibility starting from the first day of hire
✓401(k) with 5% company match
✓Bonus eligibility
✓Paid time off including vacation, personal and sick time
✓Paid Holidays
✓Wellness Reimbursement Program
✓Potential to apply for Tuition Reimbursement
✓Fertility and Family Building Benefit
✓Employee Referral program
✓Employee Assistance Program  
Plug Power Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.