Engineer I - Operations Strategy

ArcBest; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ArcBest is seeking an Engineer - Operations Strategy in Fort Smith, AR to design capacity and demand planning models that enhance forecasting, costing, and operational efficiency across ABF Freight. The role emphasizes data-driven analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and the application of Lean Six Sigma principles.

Responsibilities include modeling capacity trends, developing automated tools for management, evaluating new technologies, and communicating actionable insights to leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related analytical field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with data-driven decision-making and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Analyze relationships between assets and business levels.
• Model network capacity and demand trends.
• Create automated tools for management at corporate and field levels.
• Research new technologies to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.
• Evaluate costing inputs for shipment-level costing model.
• Communicate findings to stakeholders for decision making.
• Perform ad-hoc analytics projects as needed.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma knowledge to business cases.
• Travel as needed.
• Collaborate to meet departmental goals.

Skills

Industrial engineering

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

SQL

Microsoft Office

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial engineering

Tools

SQL

Excel

Data visualization tools

Job description

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States and the employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this role.

Job Description

The Engineer - Operations Strategy researches, designs, and develops capacity and demand planning models to improve ABF Freight's forecasting, costing, and operational efficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Analyze relationships between company assets and current and projected business levels. Company assets include equipment, workforce, technology, and facilities.
• Model and provide internal guidance on network capacity and demand trends.
• Create automated engineering tools to provide greater autonomy to corporate and field level management.
• Research and evaluate new technologies, methods, and equipment to enhance operational efficiencies and reduce costs.
• Analyze costing inputs and methodologies to provide operational guidance for ABF Freight's shipment level costing model.
• Evaluate measurement systems for the continual improvement of ABF Freight's processes and procedures.
• Communicate findings to appropriate personnel to aid in the everyday and future decision-making process.
• Perform ad-hoc projects on analytics as required by VP's or other department heads.
• Utilize knowledge and understanding of the quality process, Lean Six Sigma, and be able to apply tools or technology in business cases.
• Maintain a positive attitude in a highly intense environment.
• Work in a team setting to accomplish departmental goals.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Other duties and projects, as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial engineering.
• Other Engineering degrees and degrees with a strong analytical background may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. General familiarity with data gathering and/or visualization applications utilizing SQL.

Certifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, preferred

Additional Requirements:

• Understanding of engineering principles and statistical concepts.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to execute, present, and effectively communicate complex analysis projects.
• Familiarity with freight loading and delivery concepts, LTL networks, and policies and procedures.
• Ability to use spreadsheets, computer models, and computer-generated reports. Ability to learn new systems quickly.

Competencies:

• Data Gathering and Reporting
• Analytical Thinking
• Effective Communications
• Managing Multiple Priorities
• Problem Solving
• Relationship Management
• Planning and Organizing
• Process Improvement

Other Details

Work Hours:

• Generally, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with occasional irregular hours depending on workload.

Travel Requirements:

• Minimal (0%-25%)

Compensation:

• This is a salary position paid biweekly.
• Variable compensation is included.

About Us

ArcBest is a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics company that's helped businesses build better supply chains for over a century. With 14,000+ employees across 230 campuses and service centers, we connect owned assets, a broad brokerage network and innovative technology to deliver end-to-end supply chain solutions for customers around the world.