Engineering Jobs in Utica Michigan

About Ethel’s Baking Company

Ethel’s Baking Company is a growing specialty bakery dedicated to producing premium gluten-free baked goods that deliver exceptional taste, texture, and quality. By combining traditional baking craftsmanship with modern food science, we develop products that meet the needs of today’s consumers without compromising flavor or indulgence.

Our team is passionate about creating baked goods that everyone can enjoy. Through rigorous research and development, high manufacturing standards, and a strong commitment to food safety, we ensure that every product leaving our facility meets the highest expectations for quality and consistency.

At Ethel’s, we value innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our employees play a critical role in developing new products, improving processes, and maintaining the high standards that define our brand. We are proud to foster a workplace culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence.

If you are passionate about great food, quality production, and being part of a team that is redefining gluten-free baking, Ethel’s Baking Company offers an exciting opportunity to grow and make an impact.

Position Summary

The R&D / Product Development Manager is responsible for the development, optimization, and commercialization of gluten-free baked products within a commercial production environment. This role combines hands-on formulation expertise with cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective products. The position serves as a technical leader and primary execution owner for baking initiatives, supporting business growth through product innovation and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Formulation

• Develop, formulate, and optimize gluten-free & clean label baked goods, including dessert bars, cookies, cakes, and related products.
• Apply food science principles to improve taste, texture, structure, shelf life, and nutritional profiles.
• Evaluate and test ingredients (e.g., alternative flours, starches, gums, fibers, protein, enzymes) for functionality, shelf-life optimization and overall performance.
• Conduct bench-top, pilot, and plant trials to support new product development, process and product improvements.

Scale-Up & Commercialization

• Lead formulation and process scale-up from test kitchen to full commercial production.
• Partner with Operations, Quality Assurance, and Engineering to ensure smooth product launches and ongoing production stability and consistency.
• Troubleshoot formulation, process, and quality issues related to baking performance, yield, and finished product consistency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve yields, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Support cost reduction initiatives and ingredient sourcing.

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all R& D and product development activities comply with FDA, FSMA, GMP, GFCO, SQF, Kosher, and applicable state and local regulations.
• Support gluten-free certification requirements, allergen management programs, and cross-contact prevention protocols.
• Assist with label review, ingredient statements, nutrition facts, and product specifications.
• Collaborate with QA to establish and maintain SOPs, product standards, and validation documentation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain to align R&D priorities and product development with business needs.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for product development projects and production-related challenges.
• Communicate project timelines, trial results, and technical recommendations to management.

Team & Project Leadership

• Provide technical guidance to Production Team and Quality Assurance Team.
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Support training of production staff on new products, formulations, and process changes.
• Demonstrate creativity, ingenuity and a passion for baking.

Supplier & Ingredient Management

• Partner with ingredient suppliers to source, evaluate, and validate raw materials.
• Coordinate ingredient trials and maintain technical documentation related to ingredient performance.
• Support cost optimization efforts through ingredient and formulation evaluation.
• Evaluate new technologies, ingredients, and processing methods relevant to gluten-free baking.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in baked goods R&D, with direct experience in gluten-free formulation.
• Proven experience supporting product scale-up and commercial manufacturing.
• Experience in commercial or industrial baking operations.
• Strong understanding of gluten-free systems, ingredient functionality and baking processes.
• Working knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP, FSMA, GMPs), allergen control, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work effectively in both test kitchen and production floor environments.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Cereal Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Familiarity with gluten-free certification programs and third-party audits.
• Experience in cost modeling, shelf-life testing, and sensory evaluation.

Key Competencies

• Hands-on gluten-free baking expertise.
• Passion for baking and creativity.
• Commercialization and Scale-up execution.
• Practical problem-solving and critical thinking in production environments.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Cross-functional communication and collaboration.
• Technical documentation and process discipline.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Combination of office, bench-top, and production floor settings.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift moderate weights, and wear required PPE.
• Occasional travel to suppliers or manufacturing sites may be required.

Compensation

·      Salary Range: $70K - $85K annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

·      Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance at a shared cost

·      Paid Time Off + Holidays

·      Disability Insurance

·      401k Savings Plan

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• Clock in & out of appropriate job operations
  
• Read, interpret, and apply information from engineering drawings
  
• Adhere to job plans per job travelers
  
• Set-up multiple types of jobs
  
• Operate CNC Gear Grind Equipment (Using CBN form wheels & dressable grit wheels)
  
• Basic Maintenance of CNC gear grind machines (KAPP, Hofler, Klingelnberg)
  
• First part quality inspections
  
• Use precision measurement equipment (Use of micrometers, MBW & MOW checks)
  
• Consistently produce quality parts. (Understanding of gear terminology. LEAD, SPACING, PROFILE Etc.)
  
• Adhere to directions and instructions of direct supervisor
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

• 
  
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
  
• Post-secondary CNC related certificate or degree preferred.
  
• Minimum of 2 years of Gear Grind operations
  
• Ability to read, understand and correctly interpret blueprints, planning and manufacturing specifications.
  
• Thorough understanding of or the ability to quickly learn production equipment.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  

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• Ability to use hand tools.
  
• Physical ability to operate and repair machines.
  
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, or stretching
  
• Work may require bending, carrying, lifting to fifty (25) pounds, pulling, pushing, and standing.
  
• Assistance is required for lifting over 25 pounds.
  

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• 15 Days Paid Time Off (annual allotment), Prorated PTO based on date of hire
  
• Company Paid Holidays
  
• Volunteer PTO Program
  
• 2nd Shift hourly positions receive 15% shift Premium
  
• Health Insurance starting on your first day
  
• Company Paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Accidental Death, and Dismemberment (AD&D)
  
• Paid Parental Leave
  
• Employee Assistance Program
  
• 401(k) Match (75% match up to 6%)
  
• Company Employee Relations Team Events (i.e., Holiday Party, Family trunk or treating, Car Show and much more!)
  
• Recognition and Service Award Programs
  
• Educational Assistance Program
  
• Employee Referral Program
  
• Onsite Fitness Center - Free!
  
• Climate controlled environment
  

• Integrity - Do the right thing for our stakeholders. We value safety, diversity, and respect.
• Teamwork - Win as One team-one company. Solicit help and assist others.
• Continuous Improvement - Pursue zero defect quality. Attack problems and relentlessly raise the bar.
• Innovation - Passion for growing the business. Lead through ingenuity and entrepreneurship.
• Act with Velocity - Partner, anticipate and communicate. Proactively solve problems.
  

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and support the design of exterior components and assemblies from concept through production using CAD. Ensure designs meet functional, aesthetic, and manufacturability requirements.
• Manage the release of production-ready parts, drawings, and Bills of Material (BOM) through PLM systems such as Teamcenter while supporting program milestones and engineering documentation.
• Work closely with suppliers on feasibility, design for manufacturing (DFM), tooling development, and technical reviews to ensure parts meet cost, quality, and timing targets.
• Support validation activities including DVP&R development, testing coordination, and design verification to ensure components meet durability, fit, finish, and performance standards.
• Partner with Styling, Studio, Manufacturing Engineering, CAE, and Program Management teams to ensure exterior components align with vehicle styling intent and production requirements.
• Support DFMEA development and manage engineering changes (ECR/ECO) to resolve design issues and improve product quality throughout the development cycle.
• Provide engineering support during prototype builds, pilot builds, and production launch to address fit, finish, and assembly concerns.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 3–8+ years of experience in automotive exterior trim design, development, or release engineering.
• Experience using CATIA V5/V6, or similar CAD software for 3D modeling and design development.
• Understanding of plastic injection molding, composite materials, tooling development, and painted exterior components.
• Experience with GD&T, DFMEA, DVP&R, and PPAP processes.
• Familiarity with automotive regulatory requirements such as NHTSA and FMVSS related to exterior vehicle components.

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented P&ID Designer or Process Engineer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in creating and revising Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) using AutoCAD, Revit, and Plant 3D, with a strong understanding of ISO and industry standards. This role is critical to ensuring accurate documentation of process systems for industrial, manufacturing, or energy projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and revise P&IDs for process systems in compliance with ISO and project-specific standards.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to ensure accurate system representation.
• Use AutoCAD Plant 3D and Revit to model piping layouts, instrumentation, and equipment.
• Maintain and update engineering documentation, including BOMs, datasheets, and control narratives.
• Conduct quality checks and ensure drawings meet regulatory and safety requirements.
• Support project teams during design reviews, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Integrate P&IDs with 3D models and databases for intelligent documentation and asset tracking.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of experience in P&ID design or process engineering.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and Plant 3D.
• Strong knowledge of ISO standards and ANSI/ISA instrumentation symbols.
• Familiarity with process control systems and industrial equipment.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with SmartPlant P&ID or AVEVA Diagrams.
• Knowledge of BIM workflows and integration.
• Understanding of process safety and HAZOP documentation.
• Ability to automate tasks using scripts or macros in CAD environments.

Summary

The Materials Supervisor plans, organizes and monitors the Production supplier parts including Supplier onboarding, Contract set up (PO), releases, receiving, inventory management, storage and distribution of all items, ensuring a smooth and consistent operation so parts and supplies are located and distributed to proper departments in an effective, efficient and safe manner as required to satisfy internal and external customer requirements.

Core Competencies

• Communication
• Energy and Stress
• Team Work
• Time Management
• Creative and Innovative Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Accountability and Dependability
• Research and Analysis
• Decision Making and Judgement
• Planning and Organizing
• Ethics and Integrity
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Conflict Management
• Inventory Management
• Customer Focus (Internal & External)

Job Duties

• Ensure that the materials department is in compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations and other company-related policies and procedures.
• Responsible for supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable legislation.
• Supervise production suppliers with Materials Coordinators including planning all incoming raw materials, purchased components, packaging, sub-suppliers and Outside Services to support manufacturing and shipping requirements.
• Supervise and train Materials Coordinators.
• Coordinate all incoming logistics planning to ensure efficiency of manpower and floor space.
• Supervise inventory system and all inputs/outputs – lead as expert in the field, working with cross-departmental teams and the CMS System to troubleshoot inventory discrepancies, determine root causes, corrective actions and monitor inventory accuracy.
• Supervise all receiving activity, including training hourly employees as required, ensure CMS database accuracy.
• Develop and maintain cycle count schedule.
• Lead and coordinate the year-end inventory count.
• Key member of APQP team to support launch of new programs; engineering changes and/or volume changes.
• Lead for onboarding and setting up new vendors.
• Lead for setting up new production items, ensure all documentation is in place, maintaining all blanket Purchase orders, in CMS database. Work with Corporate purchasing to review and analyze submitted quotations, understand costing, negotiate with vendors.
• Lead for PFEP (Plan for every part), reporting to Manager on measured targets.
• Reporting on Monthly MP&L Key Targets, as assigned.
• General knowledge of PPAP, IATF, MMOG, ISO14001, SDS, CTPAT and Health & Safety requirements.
• Lead floor plan layout planning for all purchased and manufactured items including current and future mapping and coordination of changes.
• Lead to develop FIFO plan and tracking.
• Coordinate outbound shipments as required related to vendors/production.
• Track monthly supplier performance and report to Manager / summarize for month end reporting.
• Coordinate with the Accounting Department on resolving invoicing discrepancies.
• Coordinate with the Quality Department on supplier issues to protect production.
• Coordinate with Packaging Engineers as a liaison with suppliers for cost savings and continuous improvements projects.
• Perform Health and Safety inspections, as required.
• Keep up to date with system changes and training requirements related to job duties.
• Be on-call by cell phone after daytime office/shop hours.
• Ensures facility compliance with the Flex-N-Gate Materials Management Policy.
• Performs all other tasks as assigned by management.

Requirements

• B.S. or B.A. degree in business management, materials management or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in warehousing, receiving, shipping, inventory control or materials management in a manufacturing environment with 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of environmental, health and safety regulations.
• Experience with ERP systems, specifically MRP modules.
• Strong PC experience; MS Excel - spreadsheets, charts, graphs, MS Word, MS PowerPoint- presentations, and systems applicable to work area (CMS, SpinFire, etc.)
• Knowledge of Import/Export Regulations.
• Knowledge of Basic Supply Chain Management to include master planning of resources, detailed scheduling and planning, and execution and control of operations.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.

Machine Builder – 3 Openings (2 Integration, 1 Sub‑Assembly)

Location: Clinton Township, MI

Schedule: Full-time, Onsite

Type: Long-Term Contract

Requirements: Must pass drug screen and background check

About the Role

We are seeking skilled Mechanical Machine Builders—2 Integration Builders and 1 Sub‑Assembly Builder—to join our team supporting automotive equipment build and installation projects. This role requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision while delivering high‑quality workmanship.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical integration and sub‑assembly work for automotive OEM projects (Chrysler, Ford, GM).
• Work independently on medium-complexity mechanical build projects.
• Follow equipment installation through all phases, from in-house build to customer-site installation.
• Assist the project team in resolving technical issues or build concerns.
• Read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, and BOMs.
• Update and submit weekly E‑BOM summaries to the Mechanical Supervisor.
• Verify all parts and assemblies conform to specifications and engineering documentation.
• Maintain project schedules, track open issues, and meet deadlines.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and quality system procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Utilize rigging and crane equipment safely and effectively.
• Perform basic welding as required.
• Provide and maintain own tools and PPE.

Qualifications

• Education: One-year certificate from a college or technical school; or
• 5 years of related mechanical assembly experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding of automotive industry build practices.
• Proficient with standard mechanical tools, rigging, and overhead cranes.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining high-quality output.
• Reliable, consistent, and punctual attendance is essential.

Additional Details

• This role requires 100% onsite work.
• Long-term contract opportunity with full-time hours.
• Candidates must successfully pass drug screening and background checks.

Responsibilities:

• Test and troubleshoot automation equipment and electronic control systems
• Debug machine controls and adjust machine parameters as needed
• Run software and system tests to verify functionality and performance
• Analyze test data and help identify system or programming issues
• Work with engineering teams to resolve hardware and software problems
• Assist with PLC ladder logic debugging and basic CNC programming
• Support machine tryouts, final testing, and equipment runoffs
• Help with equipment startup and installations at customer sites when needed

Qualifications:

• Experience troubleshooting industrial automation or machine controls
• Familiarity with PLC ladder logic and automation systems
• Exposure to CNC machines, metal cutting machines, or assembly equipment
• Ability to read technical documentation and work with engineering teams
• Comfortable traveling occasionally for machine installations or startups

Nice to Have:

• Experience supporting machine builds, tryouts, or commissioning
• Background in controls engineering, automation, or electrical troubleshooting