JobsGenerac

Manufacturing Engineer II

Generac · Eagle, WI

Posted Sep 14, 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 coordinated on the manufacturing floor. What was your role from design handoff to full production ramp?

whether the candidate has actually owned an NPI launch end to end versus just supporting one

Tell me about a time you improved a process flow on a mixed model line. What was slowing things down and how did you fix it?

real hands-on lean and value stream experience versus textbook knowledge

Describe a situation where you had to get shop floor operators on board with a process change they were resistant to.

skill at influencing frontline staff without formal authority over them

Tell me about a time your project deadline got moved up unexpectedly. How did you reprioritize?

ability to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment as the posting emphasizes

Describe a conflict you had with another department, maybe quality or supply chain, over a manufacturing decision. How did it get resolved?

cross-functional collaboration and conflict resolution skills called out in the posting

Technical

What CAD tools have you used for layout and tooling design, and can you describe a project where your design went from concept to installed equipment on the floor?

depth of practical CAD and equipment justification experience, not just software familiarity

Have you done any PLC programming as part of equipment implementation? Tell me about a specific case.

whether PLC experience is real and hands-on or just listed as a familiarity

What does demand-driven manufacturing mean to you, and can you give an example of applying it, or something like flexibility and responsiveness principles, in a past role?

understanding of the specific operational philosophy Generac wants, not generic lean buzzwords

Tell me about a piece of equipment or tooling you selected and justified for purchase. How did you build the business case?

experience with capital justification and equipment selection, a core listed responsibility

What process documentation or standard work have you written, and how did you make sure it actually got used on the floor?

whether the candidate treats documentation as a checkbox or as a working tool for sustaining improvement

Situational

Say you're asked to redesign a work cell that currently runs high mix, low volume, but the plant wants to shift toward higher volume with fewer variants. How would you approach the layout change?

ability to adapt engineering approach to different production environments rather than applying one template

A supplier issue causes a material shortage mid-shift and the line is about to stop. What do you do in the first hour?

practical problem-solving under pressure and understanding of material flow synchronization

If you inherited a value stream with three chronic bottlenecks and only budget to fix one this quarter, how would you decide which one to tackle first?

prioritization logic and understanding of cost of operation versus quick wins

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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? 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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