Company Profile:  

For almost 50 years, Seymour Duncan has been dedicated to precision-built, high-quality products and has grown a boutique family business, into one of the world’s leading makers of guitar pickups and effect pedals. Today, the Seymour Duncan family includes our skilled team of craftspeople in Santa Barbara, California as well as the world’s most iconic guitarists and musicians of all levels around the world.  

Our Santa Barbara headquarters is more than a factory; it is a family of craftspeople of all ages, backgrounds and interests. This incredible group of people is made up of skilled guitarists, dancers and music lovers; many of whom have been with us for over 20 years!   

We are looking for that special individual who will bring energy, creativity and commitment that will sustain the great product reputation that Seymour Duncan has achieved in the guitar world.  

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the VP of Operations, the Manufacturing Engineer will have accountability for the development, implementation and regular review of the procedures and equipment involved in the manufacturing process. This position is responsible for leading continuous improvement projects that improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and eliminate waste, with an ultimate goal of providing the best quality products to our customers. The ideal candidate will also ensure equipment is regularly reviewed and serviced via a preventative maintenance schedule to prevent unplanned down time, repair/replace equipment as needed, be accountable for facilities management and will work with third party vendors, as needed, to service and maintain the site. 

Duties / Responsibilities: 

Actively identify constraints and bottlenecks, while working to eliminate them to improve flow

Identify and eliminate waste through Lean methodology;

Research, develop and implement automation on the shop floor;

Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements and equipment layout;

Develop and improve manufacturing processes by studying product requirements; research,  design, modify and test manufacturing methods and equipment; confer with equipment vendors;

Assure product and process quality by designing testing methods; test finished product and process capabilities; establish standards; confirm manufacturing processes;

Maintain production equipment and ensure machinery is in top operating condition;

Develop and manage preventive maintenance program to prevent unscheduled downtime;

Research, review and recommend equipment purchases for production and manufacturing engineering departments;

Provide machine shop support with fabrication of unique parts using internal or external resources;

Work collaboratively with engineering and production personnel to design and create effective assembly fixtures and tooling;

Ensure facilities are managed and coordinate with outside contractors on service and repairs, including but not limited to, plumbing, HVAC, lighting, electrical, compressed air, etc. 

Qualifications: 

At least 2 years of experience as a Manufacturing Engineer;

Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering, preferred;

Practical engineering experience, including commonly used concepts, practices and procedures of basic engineering;

Strong working knowledge of hand / machine tools and processes such as vertical mill, drill press, belt sanders, hand grinders and some lathe experience;

Familiar with calipers, micrometers and other measuring and test tools;

Strong understanding of tool and die designs;

Solid background in mechanical and electronic assembly;

Familiarity with engineering documentation systems;

Familiar with SolidWorks and/or similar programs;

Ability to read, interpret and work with blueprints, schematics and sketches;

Proficiency with the MS Office suite of products, including Share Point and Teams;

Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; 

Astute time management, attention to detail, organizational, planning, effective multi-tasking, problem-solving, follow-through, customer service skills and ability to work to tight deadlines;

Guitar player, a plus, with a passion for music, guitars and guitar-related equipment;

Ability to work effectively alone and within a collaborative team environment;

Bilingual English / Spanish a plus.   

Compensation:

$80K - $110K for this full-time, exempt position.  

Benefits:

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance;

FSA/HSA with company contribution;

Paid vacation, sick time and public holidays;

401(K);

Employee discount on company products.   

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA. – Onsite Position