Manufacturing Engineer I (Entry Level)

About This Role

Oshkosh Corporation is hiring Manufacturing Engineer I positions across its specialty vehicle brands — including Oshkosh Defense (tactical military trucks), Pierce Manufacturing (fire trucks), and JLG Industries (aerial work platforms). You will develop the production processes for some of the most specialized heavy vehicles built in the United States.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer I (Entry Level)
• Company: Oshkosh Corporation
• Location: Oshkosh, WI / Spartanburg, SC / McConnellsburg, PA / Appleton, WI
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level (0–2 years)
• Salary Range: $28–$38/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-05-25
• Application Deadline: 2026-06-25

Role Context

Oshkosh's manufacturing plants are low-volume, high-complexity environments where each vehicle is built to specific customer configurations. Engineers here develop flexible assembly processes, manage build-to-order production sequences, and solve one-of-a-kind technical problems that don't arise in mass-production automotive plants. The culture is collaborative and hands-on, with significant floor time expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain manufacturing process plans and assembly work instructions for specialty vehicles
• Design production tooling, lifting fixtures, and assembly aids for heavy vehicle assembly
• Support new model introductions and engineering change implementation on the production floor
• Analyze production quality metrics and drive root cause corrective actions
• Lead Lean improvement events to reduce assembly hours and improve ergonomics
• Collaborate with product engineers and suppliers on component fit and assembly feasibility

Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering
• Experience or coursework in vehicle systems, fabrication, or mechanical assembly is a plus
• Ability to read engineering drawings and apply GD&T concepts
• CAD familiarity (SolidWorks preferred); knowledge of ERP systems is a bonus
• Willingness to spend 60–70% of work time on the production floor
• US work authorization required

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $28–$38/hr with Oshkosh annual incentive plan
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance from day one
• 401(k) with company match and employee stock purchase plan
• Paid parental leave and family planning benefits
• Tuition reimbursement and access to Oshkosh's internal training center

Who Should Apply

Best suited for engineering graduates who prefer complex, low-volume specialty manufacturing over high-speed automotive production lines. If you like unique engineering challenges, visible output (you can literally point to a truck rolling out the door), and a Midwestern manufacturing culture, Oshkosh Corporation is a highly underrated employer for early-career engineers.

About the Company

Oshkosh Corporation is a Fortune 500 manufacturer of specialty vehicles and equipment, including JLTV military trucks for the US Army, Pierce fire apparatus, JLG aerial lifts, and McNeilus refuse vehicles. With $9 billion in annual revenue and 17,000+ employees, it operates 13 manufacturing sites across the US.

How to Apply

Apply at oshkoshcorp.com/careers. Search for "Manufacturing Engineer" and filter by entry-level positions. The interview process includes a phone screen with HR, a technical phone interview, and an onsite visit to the plant where you would be working.