Manufacturing Engineer - Continuous Improvement

Under the direction of the Lead Engineer for Continuous Improvement, this position is responsible for supporting and assisting the Continuous Improvement Organization (Business Unit and Manufacturing Plants) as "boots on the ground" in the organization, planning, implementation, and follow-through of manufacturing improvement initiatives. Correspondingly, the incumbent coordinates and leads a wide range of activities that are designed to improve on-time delivery, productivity, quality, cost, safety, and environmental performance. This position does not directly supervise other personnel. This position does support Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers.

This position is located 5 minutes from beautiful Lake Michigan in Whitehall, MI Popular neighboring cities include Grand Rapids and Muskegon.

Key Objectives:

• Participate in the Howmet Business System implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and drive waste reductions utilizing Lean principles (JIT, Autonomation, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Single Piece Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.)
• Work out of the Whitehall, MI site as part of a team to reduce executional scrap.
• Create a system following 'step by step' procedures for the loading and unloading of large volume processing equipment.
• Coordinate with resource departments within the assigned locations to fabricate, install, and implement improvements to drive waste down and increase efficiency and output.
• Develop Value Stream maps of key processes and product flows. Define the current condition of the facility(ies) to identify opportunities and create a target condition, with action plans to improve operational and financial results.
• Complete value stream mapping, identify opportunities, and lead shopfloor manufacturing efforts in process reengineering and process improvements in various plants.
• Facilitate successful kaizen, problem solving, and rapid improvement process events with both internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers. This includes providing support to sustain all follow-throughs required to sustain the improvements initiated during those events, especially those concentrated on local improvement.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Job Dimensions:

The incumbent will possess:

• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing improvement techniques, including flow principles, Kanban, and plan for every part (PFEP)
• Expertise in value stream mapping and associated improvement methodologies
• Understanding of pillars of Toyota production system (JIT, Autonomation)
• Experience evaluating TAKT time vs. cycle time, determining work area constraints (i.e. cycle time constraint, periodic work constraints, downtime constraints).
• Experience on shop floor, working with employees, and enhancing manufacturing processes
• Strong interpersonal skills requiring the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: able to develop and use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions
• Demonstrated experience in project leadership and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines

Basic Qualifications:

• At least two years of experience in manufacturing environments in areas such as: Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, or Operational Excellence
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university is required
• Must have knowledge and understanding of Continuous Process Improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as exhibit initiative and a high level of energy
• Must be willing to spend time on the manufacturing shop floor to learn and interact with employees
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive change
• Exhibit teamwork and go-getting attitude
• Good analytical/statistical problem-solving skills
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in STEM field highly desired, specifically Industrial Engineering
• Exceptional Excel Spreadsheet creation, macros, and related data analysis skills
• Three or more years of related experience highly desired

The incumbent shall take such steps as necessary to assure that all employment practices under his/her control, including hiring, firing, promotions, and discipline, are conducted in a nondiscriminatory fashion and without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, age or physical disability. Incumbent recognizes that accident prevention is equal to quality, production, delivery, and cost control and accepts the responsibility to work safety while promoting safety conscious among fellow employees.