Outsourcing Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Racine, WI
Department: Manufacturing Engineering
Reports To: Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Position Summary

Twin Disc, Incorporated, a global leader in power transmission and propulsion technologies for marine and industrial applications, is seeking a highly motivated Outsourcing Manufacturing Engineer to join our collaborative Manufacturing Engineering team in Racine, Wisconsin.

This role is primarily focused on partnering with cross-functional teams to identify, evaluate, and implement outsourcing opportunities for Twin Disc manufactured components and assemblies. The Outsourcing Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Design Engineering, Quality, and external suppliers to determine the most effective manufacturing strategy while ensuring quality, cost, delivery, and capacity objectives are achieved.

This position combines manufacturing engineering expertise with supplier development, project management, and continuous improvement responsibilities to support Twin Disc's strategic growth initiatives and operational excellence objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Outsourcing & Supplier Development

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Design Engineering teams to identify components, assemblies, and manufacturing processes suitable for outsourcing.
• Lead make-versus-buy analyses and provide recommendations based on cost, capacity, quality, delivery, and operational considerations.
• Identify, evaluate, and support qualification of external manufacturing partners and suppliers.
• Serve as the primary engineering liaison between Twin Disc and outsourced manufacturing suppliers.
• Support supplier onboarding, production readiness reviews, process validation activities, and first article inspections.
• Review supplier manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, quality systems, and capabilities to ensure alignment with Twin Disc requirements.
• Drive supplier performance improvements related to quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Support supplier audits, process reviews, and corrective action activities.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Quality teams to manage risks associated with outsourced manufacturing operations.
• Lead projects associated with transferring production from internal manufacturing to external suppliers and vice versa when required.

Manufacturing Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Develop, implement, and maintain manufacturing processes, tooling, work instructions, and production standards.
• Analyze manufacturing workflows and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and throughput.
• Support machining, assembly, and testing operations through process development and troubleshooting.
• Lead continuous improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing aids to improve product quality and operational efficiency.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by developing manufacturing routings, process plans, and supplier production readiness requirements.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for manufacturing and quality issues.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering to ensure manufacturability and cost-effective product designs.
• Evaluate opportunities for automation, technology improvements, and capital equipment investments.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation including process flows, PFMEAs, Control Plans, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Monitor manufacturing and supplier performance metrics and implement improvement actions.
• Support plant safety initiatives and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical support and training to production personnel and supplier partners as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.

Experience

• 2-5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a machining, assembly, precision manufacturing, or heavy industrial environment preferred.
• Experience supporting supplier development, outsourcing initiatives, contract manufacturing, or strategic sourcing activities preferred.
• Experience with CNC machining, gear manufacturing, power transmission products, or precision assembly operations is highly desirable.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining, assembly, and production systems.
• Experience evaluating manufacturing capabilities and supporting make-versus-buy decisions.
• Knowledge of supplier qualification, supplier development, and outsourced manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with CAD software and manufacturing documentation.
• Knowledge of SPC, PFMEA, Control Plans, root cause analysis, and quality improvement tools.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and waste reduction principles.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing data analysis tools preferred.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Frequent walking throughout manufacturing facilities.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to use standard office equipment and engineering software.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and moving equipment.
• Frequent interaction with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and external business partners.
• Occasional travel for supplier visits, audits, project support, training, and production launch activities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful implementation of outsourcing initiatives
• Supplier quality performance and defect reduction
• Supplier on-time delivery performance
• Cost savings generated through outsourcing and supplier optimization efforts
• Manufacturing capacity improvements
• Project completion on time and within budget
• Successful production transfers and supplier launches
• Continuous improvement project results
• Safety performance
• Throughput and productivity improvements

Why Join Twin Disc?

As an Outsourcing Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping Twin Disc's manufacturing strategy by developing strong supplier partnerships and identifying innovative outsourcing opportunities that enhance quality, efficiency, and competitiveness. This position offers the opportunity to work with a collaborative team, influence strategic manufacturing decisions, and contribute directly to the success of a global industry leader.

We offer:

• Flexible work schedules supporting work-life balance
• Competitive compensation and annual incentive opportunities
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with exceptional company match
• Generous paid time off and holiday shutdown
• Wellness Program participation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career growth opportunities within a global manufacturing organization
• A collaborative and high-performing team environment

Twin Disc is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.