Manufacturing Engineer – Precision Solenoid Valve Products

Location: Westbrook, CT

Schedule: Full-Time | Onsite

Compensation: Approximately $80,000–$90,000, depending on experience

Position Overview

EPS Connects is recruiting a Manufacturing Engineer for a highly respected precision manufacturer in Westbrook, Connecticut.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer who wants to develop strong, hands-on manufacturing engineering skills in an engineering-driven environment.

The group is experiencing significant growth, including increasing demand for precision solenoid valve products used in aerospace and space applications.

This engineer will work closely with experienced Manufacturing Engineers and other technical groups to improve manufacturing processes, support production, implement equipment and automation, and help transition new products into manufacturing.

The company is open to candidates ranging from recent engineering graduates with strong internship or hands-on technical experience to engineers with several years of manufacturing experience.

Experience matters, but for this position, mechanical aptitude, curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in manufacturing are equally important.

What You'll Work On

Responsibilities may include:

• Support the development and improvement of manufacturing processes for precision components and assemblies.
• Work with senior engineers on manufacturing projects involving equipment, tooling, fixtures, and automation.
• Support new product introductions and the transition of new products into production.
• Perform manufacturing time studies and analyze processes for opportunities to improve efficiency and throughput.
• Assist with the implementation of automation and mechanization within manufacturing.
• Investigate manufacturing problems and help develop practical corrective actions.
• Review engineering drawings and work with Product Engineering to improve manufacturability.
• Develop proposals for tooling, machine attachments, equipment, automation, and process improvements.
• Evaluate new manufacturing equipment and technologies.
• Support machining and assembly operations.
• Create and maintain process documentation, specifications, test reports, and project summaries.
• Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Product Engineering, Quality, Tooling, Automation, Purchasing, and Operations.

What They're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, or a similar technical discipline.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and an interest in understanding how equipment, tooling, and manufacturing processes work.
• Some hands-on engineering experience through employment, internships, co-ops, projects, fabrication, machining, equipment development, automotive work, robotics, or similar technical experience.
• CAD experience; SolidWorks is preferred.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage projects and assignments while working with multiple engineering and manufacturing groups.
• Willingness to work directly with equipment and processes on the manufacturing floor.

Helpful, But Not Required

Experience in any of the following would be beneficial:

• Precision or small-part manufacturing
• Machining or mechanical assembly
• Tooling and fixture design
• Manufacturing automation
• Mechanical or machine design
• Lean manufacturing
• Time studies or process improvement
• New Product Introduction
• Electromechanical products
• Aerospace, medical device, automotive, or other precision manufacturing environments
• Machines, mechanisms, linkages, pressure systems, press fits, tolerances, and clearances

Candidates do not need experience in all of these areas.

The Person They're Looking For

The hiring team is particularly interested in someone who brings positive energy, curiosity, and initiative to engineering.

Someone who:

• Asks good questions.
• Wants to understand how the manufacturing operation works.
• Isn't afraid to get their hands on equipment or tooling.
• Enjoys solving mechanical and manufacturing problems.
• Takes ownership rather than waiting to be told what to do.
• Wants to learn from experienced engineers and continue developing technically.

For an early-career engineer, strong internships, engineering projects, or meaningful hands-on experience can be just as important as years in a Manufacturing Engineer title.

Why Consider It?

This is an engineering-focused manufacturer with a strong reputation for designing and manufacturing highly engineered precision products.

The company does an unusual amount of engineering, manufacturing technology, tooling, and automation internally, giving Manufacturing Engineers exposure to much more than day-to-day production support.

For someone early in their career, this is an opportunity to:

• Learn from experienced manufacturing and automation engineers.
• Work directly with precision manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Gain exposure to tooling, automation, NPI, and process development.
• Work on products supporting demanding aerospace and space applications.
• Build a broad manufacturing engineering foundation with room for continued technical and career growth.

The company also offers an unusually strong benefits package, including company-paid health insurance, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, and a daycare subsidy.