JobsGenerac

Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Process Optimization

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Jul 30, 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 time you designed or redesigned an end-to-end manufacturing system, from initial concept to running production. What was the scope and what changed?

whether they've actually owned systems-level design work versus just improving isolated stations

Tell me about a full value stream mapping event you ran that crossed multiple functions, like fabrication into assembly into test. What resistance did you hit and how did you handle it?

ability to lead lean events at enterprise scale rather than single-cell kaizen

Tell me about a make-versus-buy decision you drove for a subassembly or enclosure component. What factors tipped the decision, and were you right?

rigor in cost and supply chain analysis, and honesty about outcomes

Describe a capital project you led, like a new line install or plant layout redesign. What was your role versus the roles of Operations, Facilities, and Supply Chain?

whether they can actually run cross-functional capital projects or only participate in them

Tell me about a time you had to get buy-in from a plant manager or operations leader who didn't want to change a process you knew was underperforming.

ability to influence at senior levels without formal authority

How have you approached mentoring junior engineers, and can you give an example of one you developed who's now handling more advanced work?

genuine investment in growing others versus a token answer

Technical

Have you built simulation models in Arena or FlexSim before, and can you describe a specific bottleneck or capacity question you used one to answer?

real hands-on experience with the named tools versus familiarity by name only

Tell me about a process you developed using DOE or SPC where you had to prove statistically that a change actually improved the outcome.

depth with formal industrial engineering methods, not just lean buzzwords

Describe a PFMEA you led on a complex assembly, like a wiring harness or fuel system. What failure mode turned out to matter most, and how did you know?

whether they can apply structured risk analysis to real electro-mechanical assemblies, not just fill out a template

Give me an example where you introduced automation, a cobot, AGV, or automated test system, into an existing manual process. What made you choose that solution over alternatives?

judgment in automation selection, not just enthusiasm for new technology

Situational

If you had to cut takt time on a final packaged-unit build by 20 percent without adding headcount, what's your first move and what would you look at before touching the line?

structured problem-solving approach and whether they jump to solutions or diagnose first

Suppose Engineering wants a new generator model design frozen next month, but your DFM review shows an enclosure feature that will hurt assembly repeatability. What do you do?

ability to influence upstream design decisions and hold ground on manufacturability under schedule pressure

If a new fixture you engineered to fix an ergonomic issue is slowing the line down more than expected on day one of launch, what do you do in the moment and what do you check first?

how they balance safety, throughput, and root-cause thinking under launch pressure

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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 Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer is the technical authority responsible for designing, optimizing, and transforming manufacturing systems for generator production and genset enclosing operations. This role drives strategic improvements across assembly, enclosure fabrication, fuel systems, cooling packages, wiring integration, and final packaged‑unit build. The engineer will architect world‑class manufacturing processes, deploy advanced automation, and lead cross‑functional initiatives that elevate throughput, quality, safety, and cost performance across the entire value stream. This position is ideal for a senior‑level engineer who blends deep industrial engineering expertise, systems engineering thinking, and hands‑on operational leadership Core Responsibilities 1. Manufacturing Systems Architecture • Design and optimize end‑to‑end manufacturing systems for generator assembly and complete genset packaging (skids, enclosures, tanks, cooling systems). • Develop long‑term capacity strategies, including equipment selection, automation roadmaps, and plant‑wide layout evolution. • Build digital twins and simulation models(Arena, Flex SIM) to predict bottlenecks, labor requirements, and capital needs. • Partner with Quality to reduce defects in generator assembly, wiring harnesses, and final assembly 2. Advanced Process Engineering • Lead high‑precision process development for Assembly, Electrical Integration and Packaging Processes. • Implement advanced industrial engineering tools: MTM, DOE, SPC, PFMEA, and process validation. • Engineer fixtures, jigs, and tooling to improve repeatability and reduce ergonomic risk. 3. Lean Enterprise Leadership • Drive enterprise‑level Lean transformation across generator manufacturing and packaging operations. • Lead VSM events that span fabrication, assembly, testing, and logistics. • Deploy SMED, 5S, Kanban, Heijunka, and standardized work at a systems level. 4. Automation & Technology Integration • Identify and implement automation solutions such as Cobots, AGVs, and automated test systems. • Collaborate with controls and IT teams to advance digital manufacturing maturity. 5. Cost Optimization & Value Engineering • Lead cost‑out initiatives involving material usage, takt‑time reduction, design simplification, and supply chain alignment. • Conduct make‑vs‑buy analysis for subassemblies and enclosure components • Support DFM/DFA for new generator models and enclosure designs. 6. Cross‑Functional Leadership • Serve as the technical bridge between Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Facilities. • Lead major capital projects, including new line installations, new plant setup, layout redesigns, and technology upgrades. • Mentor junior engineers and develop the next generation of industrial engineering talent. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Industrial Technology • 5 years related experience in the Engineering function within a similar working environment.  Preferred Qualifications • Experience with generator manufacturing, genset packaging, or power systems integration. • Knowledge of fuel systems, cooling packages, Engine Assembly, Fabrication and electrical testing. • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (SAP). • Experience in digital manufacturing, IIoT, or Industry 4.0 initiatives. Key Competencies • Systems‑level thinking and strategic planning • Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability • Ability to influence at all organizational levels • Exceptional communication and project‑management skills • Hands‑on, shop‑floor‑driven leadership style • Continuous‑improvement mindset with a bias for action 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 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Great Reasons to work for Generac:  • Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more • Many employee activities  • Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, to gather together and enjoy their time with their families and co-workers • Pride! When a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion. Each time a storm hits many employees volunteer their time with the customer support team or on the production line while others go right into storm-affected areas to repair generators • We believe in having fun. From minor celebrations to major events, our employees balance their work by building a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration through a variety of occasions, including our Fun Days.  • Every day is Jeans Day! Dress for your day. • Product loan and discount programs “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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