Automation & IT Systems Engineer (Manufacturing)

Rhenus SE & Co.; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Generous PTO

7% 401k match

Job summary

Rhenus Automotive Salem in Salem, Virginia, is seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineer to join our growing North American division. You will support automation infrastructure, lead system integration, and drive Continuous Improvement across production and IT interfaces in a fast-paced automotive environment.

You’ll collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance and Vendors, manage IT projects, and help roll out new systems while applying PFMEA, PDCA, Kaizen and lean methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, computer engineering, information systems, or equivalent.
• 3+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience, preferably in automotive or heavy equipment.
• Working knowledge of PFMEA, PDCA, Kaizen, and lean manufacturing.
• Experience with PLC systems and automation, plus poka-yoke design.
• Experience managing IT systems and vendors in a business or manufacturing setting.
• Experience preparing RFQs and project scopes.
• Lean Six Sigma certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support, maintain, and improve automation infrastructure, including PTS and PLC systems.
• Design and implement poka-yoke (error-proofing) solutions.
• Lead system integration, data collection, and traceability projects linking production systems with site IT.
• Serve as the site responsible for all IT, including infrastructure and production-floor IT.
• Manage IT projects, vendors, and coordinate with Rhenus corporate IT.
• Ensure system availability, security practices, and change control at the site.
• Plan and lead IT upgrades, integrations, and new system rollouts.
• Plan, lead, and support Kaizen events and production improvement projects.
• Spearhead Continuous Improvement Projects (CIPs) from identification through implementation and follow-up.
• Support PFMEA and drive corrective actions from the results with the process Engineer.
• Apply and support PDCA cycles to drive and sustain improvements.
• Lead and support QPS (Quick Problem Solving) activities to resolve issues at the source.
• Prepare scopes of work for new projects and equipment.
• Create and manage RFQs, evaluate supplier quotes, and support vendor selection.
• Track project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Serve as a support between Production, Quality, Maintenance, and other departments.
• Coordinate with other Rhenus companies and facilities to share best practices and align systems.
• Communicate with external suppliers and contractors.
• Travel to other Rhenus sites for collaboration, project support, and system benchmarking.

Skills

PFMEA

PDCA

Kaizen

Lean manufacturing

IT systems management

PLC systems

CAD

Project management tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent experience

Tools

CAD

Project management tools

PLC systems

Job description

Rhenus Automotive Salem in Salem, Virginia, is seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineer to join our growing North American division. You will support automation infrastructure, lead system integration, and drive Continuous Improvement across production and IT interfaces in a fast-paced automotive environment.

You’ll collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance and Vendors, manage IT projects, and help roll out new systems while applying PFMEA, PDCA, Kaizen and lean methods.