Manufacturing Cost and Process Specialist

About the role

Manufacturing Specialist OR Manufacturing Cost & Process Specialist Location: XCAL Tools – South Point, OH Department: Manufacturing / Operations Position Summary XCAL Tools is seeking a Manufacturing Specialist to support manufacturing operations through a combination of technical knowledge, production support, job costing, process analysis, and problem solving. This position will work closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Management to understand customer requirements and determine the most effective and economical methods to manufacture products. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and the ability to evaluate materials, machining operations, labor requirements, equipment capabilities, and associated costs. This is a hands-on, cross-functional position that will require someone who is comfortable working both in the office and on the manufacturing floor. The successful candidate will be a resource for production and management, helping evaluate jobs, develop manufacturing approaches, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide accurate information for costing and decision-making. We are more interested in a candidate's practical manufacturing knowledge, problem-solving ability, and willingness to learn than in a specific degree or career path. Experience in machining, metallurgy, manufacturing engineering, estimating, job costing, production planning, or related areas is highly valued. --- Key Responsibilities · Evaluate new and existing jobs to determine manufacturing requirements, processes, labor, equipment, materials, and estimated costs. · Develop and maintain accurate job costing and manufacturing models. · Work with Operations and Engineering to determine appropriate methods for putting jobs into production. · Analyze machining and manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, cost, and efficiency. · Provide technical support to production when questions or problems arise. · Assist with determining machine capabilities, routing, cycle times, tooling requirements, and labor requirements. · Evaluate material types, grades, properties, and their impact on manufacturing processes and costs. · Review production results and compare actual performance against estimated costs and expectations. · Assist with quoting, estimating, and evaluation of potential new business. · Work with Process Engineering and Business Analytics to develop accurate and useful manufacturing data. · Identify manufacturing issues and work with appropriate personnel to develop practical solutions. · Assist with continuous improvement projects throughout the facility. · Develop and maintain documentation to capture manufacturing knowledge and processes. · Serve as a technical resource to Operations, Management, and other departments as needed. --- Preferred Experience / Qualifications We're intentionally keeping this section broad. · Experience in manufacturing, machining, fabrication, metallurgy, engineering, estimating, costing, production planning, or a related field. · Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment. · Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and specifications. · Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. · Ability to understand and evaluate labor, material, machine time, and other manufacturing costs. · Comfortable working directly with production personnel and management. · Strong computer skills and ability to work with spreadsheets, production data, and other analytical tools. · Ability to learn new processes, equipment, and systems quickly. · Strong communication and interpersonal skills. · High level of ownership, follow-through, and attention to detail. A degree in engineering, manufacturing, metallurgy, business, or a related field is beneficial but is not required if the candidate has relevant practical experience. Benefits  The company provides a range of employee benefits. Eligibility, coverage, and plan options may vary based on position, location, and company policies. Available benefits may include: Medical insurance with PPO plan options Wellness incentives Voluntary 401(k) with company match Voluntary dental and vision coverage Telemedicine services Basic life insurance and short-term disability coverage EOE M/F/D/V