Manufacturing Engineer (multiple roles exist)

THE COMPANY 

Founded in 1958, Gemline is a multi-award-winning consumer products supplier servicing the $27B promotional products industry and is recognized as one of the largest and most respected companies in its industry. Ranked as the 12th largest supplier in revenues industrywide by the Advertising Specialty Institute, Gemline offers a diverse product portfolio that includes bags, backpacks, headwear, umbrellas, luggage, drinkware, electronics, stationery, writing instruments, gourmet foods, lifestyle gifts, and more. In addition to its 12 in-house developed brands, Gemline partners with 34 renowned global consumer brands, including Ahead™, American Tourister®, Anker®, Cool Gear®, CORKCICLE®, Cuisinart®, Hartmann®, High Sierra®, Igloo®, iLive®, MiiR®, Moleskine®, New Balance®, Osprey®, Paper Mate®, Samsonite®, Sharpie®, Timbuk2®, Yankee Candle® and more. 


Gemline is widely recognized for its high-quality products, innovative design, retail brand portfolio, responsible business practices and exceptional customer service. The company has deep expertise in design, product engineering & development, CI/Lean, factory oversight, compliance and global sourcing diversification, and is an industry leader in sustainably made products. Its business model makes the process seamless and efficient for distributor partners, creating a strong B2B2B experience. 


At Gemline, community is at the core of the company’s purpose, "We Promote Community," which shapes the company’s culture, influences product design, and drives its commitment to creating a positive global impact. Guided by its betterwayTM corporate social responsibility efforts, Gemline focuses on bettering people and the environment. In 2024, the company became both a globally certified B Corporation and registered Massachusetts B Corporation, reinforcing its dedication to balancing purpose and profit. 


Gemline has been recognized as one of the Greatest Companies to Work For on multiple occasions, and most recently in 2025 by PPAI, a leading industry association. "Pride in People, Pride in Product" is more than a motto at Gemline, it is a way of life. The company’s associates play a crucial role in delivering an exceptional customer experience, guided by strong foundational values of trust, integrity, humility, diversity, community, and truth. Gemline's success reflects its associates' success, and its culture thrives on collaboration, initiative, continuous problem-solving, safety, and respect for people.  


Headquartered in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Gemline operates an integrated light manufacturing facility and distribution center, along with a secondary overflow warehouse, also in Lawrence. Additionally, the company operates a global technical center in Southern China that manages supply chain functions across Asia, including product development, sourcing, quality assurance, compliance, and logistics. It also has two sourcing offices in Vietnam and India. With approximately $140 million in annual revenue and 500 employees worldwide, Gemline is poised for continued growth. 

 

THE ROLE 


Based in Gemline’s integrated light manufacturing facility in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the Manufacturing Engineer drives continuous improvement, waste reduction, and cost-effective production across our operations. Bringing together the Industrial and Mechanical Engineering disciplines, this role designs and optimizes equipment, tooling, and processes that improve throughput, quality, and ergonomics—applying Lean methods to support new product launches and ongoing operational excellence. It is a hands-on, cross-functional role for an engineer who thrives on the factory floor and partners closely with production, product development, quality, and maintenance teams. This position reports to the Manager of Engineering. If interested, please send your resume to alaplante@gemline.com.  

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Champion projects that improve throughput, yield, and ergonomics, reducing operating expense through automation, error-proofing, and waste reduction. 
  • Design and modify production equipment, tooling, and fixtures using SolidWorks and AutoCAD, leveraging 3D printing and other rapid-prototyping technologies. 
  • Lead automation and robotics initiatives that improve repeatability, safety, and capacity on the production floor. 
  • Adopt and foster a culture of continuous improvement using Lean tools and methodology. 
  • Provide project-management leadership: identify, justify, and submit capital project documentation for approval, and coordinate purchasing, installation, and testing of equipment prior to release to production. 
  • Develop plant-area expertise and lead cross-functional problem-solving, serving as a liaison between the factory floor and New Equipment & Process Development 
  • Conduct time studies and capacity analyses to establish accurate cost and production standards, and generate, maintain, and monitor standard work documentation. 
  • Provide leadership in safe plant operations and participate on the Safety Committee to resolve problematic operations. 
  • Assist with evaluation and reduction of supply usage, along with cost control measures with purchasing. 
  • Develop new manufacturing processes and provide workforce training to ensure adoption and standardization of best practices. 
  • Participate in continuous improvement activities, including the Idea Generation System, supporting Gemline’s On Trend / On Time / On Budget True North strategy. 
  • Provide first line of defense for equipment issues, to ensure that equipment uptime is maximized. 
  • Conduct periodic process observations across all 3 shifts to collect data and support standardization of improvements. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


REQUIREMENTS 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (BSIE or BSME), or equivalent related field or experience and training with a background in process and equipment design. 
  • Continuous Improvement / Lean experience 
  • 6+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated strength across both Industrial and Mechanical Engineering disciplines. 
  • Proficiency in CAD / 3D modeling (SolidWorks and AutoCAD) for the design of equipment, tooling, and fixtures, using both additive manufacturing and machining processes. 
  • Core competencies: problem solving, analytical thinking, creativity & innovation, integrity and professionalism, coaching & mentoring, and drive for results. 
  • Strong analytical and data skills, including time studies and statistical analysis using Minitab and Microsoft Excel / Office. 
  • Excellent organizational, communication (verbal and written), and people-coaching / leadership skills. 
  • Able to work independently with minimal supervision and balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Hands-on experience with automation and robotics in a production setting 
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred) 


IMPORTANT NOTICE: Our Company takes the security and privacy of job applicants very seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information as part of the application process. All our legitimate job postings can be found on our official website under the careers section (https://www.gemline.com/s/careers).