Are you an engineering professional who thrives in a fast-paced production environment, excels at hands-on floor troubleshooting, and takes pride in keeping a world-class assembly line running smoothly? As Cerebral Staffing, we are looking for a dedicated Manufacturing Engineer to join our team supporting our client, John Deere, at their Engine Works facility in Waterloo, IA. If you have experience optimizing assembly methods, implementing mistake-proofing solutions, and collaborating directly with factory operations, we want to hear from you.

Manufacturing Engineer – 3rd Shift – John Deere Engine Works This is a critical, long-term 1+ year contract opportunity paying up to $40/hr, including 2 weeks of PTO. Operating fully onsite at the premier Engine Works plant, you will provide essential tactical engineering support for current operations, manage line routings, and develop tooling to support daily safety, quality, and delivery targets.

Position Details & Compensation

• Pay Rate: Up to $40/hr (W2).
• Location: 100% Onsite at Waterloo Works - Engine Works (Waterloo, IA).
• Duration: 1+ Year.
• Shift: 3rd Shift. Hours are 10:30 PM Sunday night through 7:00 AM Friday morning.
• Benefits: 2 Weeks PTO, Health, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k, and Referral Bonuses.
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available now or in the near future for this position.

Core Responsibilities

• Daily Operations Support: Provide technical support and basic troubleshooting for active production lines. Investigate, gather data, and analyze metrics for recurring shop-floor issues.
• Process Documentation: Establish and update production routings, assembly methods, floor layouts, labor standards, cost models, and quality plans for engineering revisions and new parts programs.
• Tooling & Mistake-Proofing: Develop, design, or procure custom floor tooling and integrate mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) systems into new and existing assembly workflows.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively participate in cross-functional Continuous Improvement (CI) teams to drive ergonomics, line safety, and cycle-time efficiency.

Required Skills & Experience

• Manufacturing Foundations: 1+ years of demonstrated manufacturing engineering experience supporting an active factory floor (layouts, labor standards, quality plans, capacity design).
• Technical Problem Solving: Proven ability to troubleshoot mechanical anomalies and process disruptions under tight factory timelines.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Solid experience operating within a team environment, with the communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills needed to align with operators and supervisors.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, or an equivalent level of related industrial work experience.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Prior experience navigating SAP within a manufacturing context.
• Hands-on knowledge of DC Electric torque equipment and tooling.
• General understanding of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Exposure to industrial robotics or factory automation systems.

APPLY NOW to take ownership of 3rd shift assembly engineering and drive operational excellence at John Deere Engine Works!

Pay: Up to $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person