Associate Manufacturing Engineer

Craig Bradford Associates
Downingtown, PA

Comp: $70K-$80K

Reports to: RVP Sales – Northeast Region (Power Cable)


Launch Your Engineering Career—On the Shop Floor, Not Behind a Desk

We’re seeking driven, hands-on engineering graduates for a unique 18-month rotational program designed to fast-track your career in structural steel fabrication.


This is not a desk job—you’ll be immersed directly in operations, working side-by-side with plant leaders, welders, fabricators, machine operators, and project managers to learn how things actually get built.


Through three structured rotations, you’ll gain real-world experience across operations, production planning, and the business side of fabrication—preparing you for future leadership roles.


Program Structure (3 Rotations | 6 Months Each)

Rotation 1: Shop Floor Engineer

Supervisor: Plant Superintendent


What You’ll Do:

  • Work directly on the production floor with welders, fitters, and machinists
  • Observe and support daily fabrication operations
  • Monitor safety, quality, and productivity
  • Assist with troubleshooting equipment and improving processes
  • Support lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives
  • Analyze production data and reporting


What You’ll Learn:

  • Fabrication and welding processes
  • Safety and quality management
  • Equipment utilization and efficiency


Rotation 2: Production Control Engineer

Supervisor: Production Control Manager


What You’ll Do:

  • Build and manage production schedules
  • Track work orders, throughput, and shop loading
  • Identify and reduce bottlenecks
  • Work with ERP/MRP systems (Tekla, Spectrum)
  • Support equipment programming


What You’ll Learn:

  • Production scheduling and shop logistics
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • ERP systems and workflow optimization


Rotation 3: Estimating & Purchasing Engineer

Supervisor: Estimating / Procurement Manager


What You’ll Do:

  • Assist with quantity takeoffs and bid preparation
  • Develop cost estimates and project budgets
  • Source vendors and negotiate pricing
  • Issue purchase orders and align procurement with project timelines


What You’ll Learn:

  • Cost analysis and estimating
  • Vendor management and negotiation
  • Commercial side of fabrication


Why Join This Program?

  • Hands-on experience across operations, production, and business functions
  • Direct mentorship from experienced fabrication leaders
  • Exposure to real projects and decision-making
  • Clear career paths into plant leadership, estimating, or supply chain


What You’ll Walk Away With

By the end of the program, you’ll have a strong foundation in:

  • Fabrication operations
  • Production control and scheduling
  • Cost estimating and procurement


You’ll be well-positioned for leadership roles within the fabrication organization.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in:
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Internship or exposure to manufacturing/fabrication is a plus
  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment


Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive base salary ($70K–$80K)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401(k) with company match
  • PTO + paid holidays
  • Life insurance + short/long-term disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Referral bonuses
  • Ongoing training and education support
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