Manufacturing Engineer

VistaApex Solutions • Full-time • Racine, WI, US • 1w ago

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Company: VistaApex Solutions
Location: Racine, Wisconsin (Corporate Headquarters)
Reports to: Director of Operations

About VistaApex Solutions
VistaApex Solutions is a purpose-driven, clinician-focused healthcare platform bringing together leading dental brands, including Vista Apex, PerioProtect, and PerioSciences. Our mission is to develop meaningful products that enhance clinicians’ treatment options and improve patient outcomes. With a value-added approach across R&D, operations, and customer experience. We empower clinicians to deliver confident, consistent, and elevated care.
At our core, we operate through five foundational pillars— Product Development + Clinician Involvement, Treatment Refinement + Simplified Workflow, Expanding Innovations + Trusted Partnerships, Inspired Foresight and Quality Assured + Personal Connections —guiding our approach to innovation, collaboration, and long-term partnership.
Position Overview
The Manufacturing Engineer plays a critical role in driving continuous improvement across VistaApex’s operations. This position is responsible for identifying and implementing opportunities to enhance product value, reduce costs, and improve overall performance through systematic analysis and sound engineering practices.
A key responsibility of this role is to strengthen the vendor base for VistaApex. This includes identifying and onboarding new suppliers, either domestically within the United States or in international regions with favorable tariff structures. The Manufacturing Engineer will also support the integration and commissioning of new equipment at the VistaApex facility to support production and operational efficiency.
This role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including design, sourcing, and supply chain, to ensure alignment of manufacturing initiatives with overall business objectives.
Key Functions

Determines company product manufacturing needs and provides technical resources to accomplish a smooth transition within the manufacturing environment. Handling the handoff from project design to manufacturability and automating
Conduct thorough value analysis and engineering assessments on existing and new products to identify cost-saving opportunities and performance improvements.
Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to implement effective design changes and material substitutions.
Lead workshops and brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas for product enhancements.
Analyze product lifecycle costs and provide recommendations to optimize value throughout the product development process.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented changes, providing feedback for continuous improvement.
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in value engineering and product development.
Conduct comprehensive value analysis and engineering assessments on existing and new products to identify significant cost-saving opportunities and performance enhancements.
Lead the qualification and onboarding process for new vendors, ensuring alignment with company standards and strategic goals.
Solves problems associated with manufacturing fallout and system bottlenecks
Plans for the arrangement of machines within the plant facilities to ensure the most efficient production processing layout
Installation of automated equipment for tip manufacturing and kitting improvements
Plant Layout analysis while new business is onboarded
Open molds or identify new pieces of equipment to bring production of appropriate SKUs in house. Assist with the set-up of equipment and training personnel.
Identify and onboard new vendors in the United States and countries with lower tariffs to the United States to mitigate the current supply chain exposure.
Analyze dual source and dual path options for highest spend SKUs, to determine if it makes sense to bring production in house and to have multiple options in different countries.
Drive cost savings or cost avoidance initiatives for each SKU.
Push internal documentation through Vista Apex Change Control Process to qualify and approve new vendors.
Develop drawings, Receiving Inspection Reports, and other documentation needed for change management.
Other duties as assigned

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Biomedical, or related field) or equivalent experience; Master’s degree is a plus.
Proven experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in a medical manufacturing environment.
Experience with product development and strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with Microsoft Project is helpful.
Proficient in engineering tools and software, such as CAD and other relevant technical applications.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on cost reduction and performance improvement.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
Experience onboarding new vendors in previous roles is a plus.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The position is an office-based position.
Fast-paced, dynamic environment requiring adaptability and proactive communication.

Benefits
We believe in supporting our employees both inside and outside of work. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Time Off: Generous PTO policy and paid holidays
Retirement Plans: 401(k) with company matching to help you plan for the future.
Wellness Support: Mental health resources and wellness programs.
Team Connection: Regular team events, retreats, and gatherings to build community.