JobsGenerac

Manufacturing Engineer II

Generac · Oshkosh, WI

Posted Sep 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Walk me through a new product introduction you led from the engineering side. What was your role in getting it from prototype to a running production line?

whether they have real end-to-end NPI ownership versus just supporting pieces of one

Describe a process improvement project where you applied lean principles. What was the before-and-after, and how did you prove it worked?

whether they can quantify improvement and use lean tools rather than just cite the vocabulary

Tell me about a time a shop floor operator pushed back on a process change you introduced. How did you handle it?

conflict resolution skill and respect for floor-level knowledge

Describe a cross-functional project where engineering, quality, and production had different opinions on the right solution. How did you get everyone aligned?

ability to build consensus across functions without formal authority

Tell me about a time you had to justify a capital equipment purchase or major tooling investment. What did that business case look like?

experience with the justification and approval side of equipment selection, not just technical selection

Technical

Tell me about a time you had to design or reconfigure a line layout to handle mixed models. What tradeoffs did you have to balance?

hands-on layout and flow experience specific to mixed-model or high-mix environments

What CAD tools have you used day to day, and can you describe a specific design or tooling change you modeled and pushed through to the floor?

actual depth with AutoCAD/SolidWorks/ProE versus resume keyword familiarity

Have you done any PLC programming work, and if so, what kind of equipment or process were you controlling?

real exposure to automation and controls versus general manufacturing engineering background

Have you worked in both high mix, low volume and high volume, low mix environments? What changes about how you approach process design between the two?

genuine range across production environments rather than one narrow background

What's your process for writing or updating process documentation and standard work after a change goes live?

discipline around sustaining improvements through documentation rather than letting changes drift

Situational

Say you're launching a new backup power product for data centers and the line is behind schedule three weeks before start of production. What do you do?

how they prioritize and act under compressed NPI timelines rather than panic or escalate blindly

You're told priorities just shifted and a project you were mid-way through now has to wait while something more urgent takes over. How do you handle that transition?

resilience and organization when deadlines and priorities move, which this role expects often

If material flow and information flow through a work cell aren't synchronized and it's creating bottlenecks, how would you go about diagnosing the root cause?

structured problem-solving approach to flow and efficiency issues

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? Generac is powering up! We are looking for a motivated and talented Manufacturing Engineer to support our new products, supporting data center backup energy! The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for ongoing process improvement initiatives that deliver excellence across entire value chain.  This position develops and improves manufacturing processes and product quality by studying product and manufacturing methods, identifying areas of improvement, and working with manufacturing personnel to ensure plans are implemented. Responsibilities: • Responsible for coordinating the successful launch of New Product Introductions (NPI) within Operations. Backup solutions for data centers are growing at a rapid pace. • Contribute to facility transformation, technology transfer and ongoing maintenance of mixed model lines or value streams.  • Ensure ongoing success of process improvement initiatives by implementing policies, procedures and process documentation. • Implement demand driven principles and strategies that supports operational excellence and long range plans.  (Flexibility, Speed & Responsiveness) • Ensure product, material and information streams flow and are synchronized to produce maximum efficiencies and lowest cost of operation. • Contribute to creation of innovative ideas to improve business results. • Deploy standard Generac tools, methodologies, standards, practices and processes. • Implement objectives to include continuous improvement initiatives to achieve customer satisfaction and fulfillment needs. • Work closely with shop floor personnel to promote ongoing continuous improvement of manufacturing methods, systems and controls. • Responsible for area layouts, process definition, PLC programing, design/selection, justification, and implementation of equipment, programs, and tooling. Minimal Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Industrial Technology • 3-5 years related experience in the Engineering function within a similar working environment. Additional Qualifications: • Manufacturing Engineering experience. • Proficiency in CAD (AutoCAD, Solid Works and/or ProE); • Excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills; • Knowledge of lean principles and process improvements; • Diverse skills and experience leading projects; • Experience collaborating cross-functionally to achieve desired results; • Experience operating in high mix, low volume and high volume, low mix production environments; • Demonstrated skills in problem solving and conflict resolution; • Proven track record of successfully managing shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast paced environment. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls.  The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders.  The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job include are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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