Industrial Engineer 3

Silfex, Inc. - A Division of Lam Research Corporation; Town of Springfield (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company is seeking a Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement to lead and coordinate manufacturing-wide lean initiatives. You will guide teams on eliminating waste, improving process capability, and driving sustained performance gains across safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

The role requires strong data-driven problem solving, stakeholder management, and a track record of influencing without direct authority in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience influencing stakeholders across a matrixed organization without direct authority.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with the ability to present to executives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute annual operational improvement plans focusing on productivity, labor optimization, cost reduction, and workflow efficiency.
• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives using Lean, CI, and Industrial Engineering principles and tools.
• Deploy Lean, Daily Management, and Change Management across all levels from frontline teams to plant leadership.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Industrial Engineering

Project Leadership

Change Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

MES

Simulation tools (Arena, FlexSim, AnyLogic, Simio)

ShopVue

Job description

From smartphones to solar panels, innovative technology is needed to create the devices we use every day. Silfex's silicon components help make that technology a reality.

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company is the leading provider of precision silicon components used to make and operate semiconductor tools, which enable the trillion-dollar global electronics industry. Our company's products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets. The outstanding team at Silfex makes that possible - through our people, we are advancing the world.

The impact we have on the world is made possible by focusing on our people. So we recognize and celebrate our teams' achievements. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone's contribution and voice has value. We evaluate and evolve our offerings, so our people receive the support and empowerment to do meaningful things for their lives, careers, and communities.

Our Perks and Benefits

At Silfex, our people make amazing things possible. That's why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits that start on your first day of employment.

Discover more at Lam Benefits

Job Description:

From smartphones to solar panels, innovative technology is needed to create the devices we use every day. Silfex's silicon components help make that technology a reality.

At Silfex, we're the leading provider of precision silicon components used to make and operate semiconductor tools, which enable the trillion-dollar global electronics industry. Our company's products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets. The outstanding team at Silfex makes that possible - through our people, we help connect the world.

The successful candidate for this position will become eligible for a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits; to learn more about the benefits Silfex offers for this position check out: https://www.lambenefits.com/

Join our team and help us connect the world and support the technology of the future!

Essential Function:

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement, this role is responsible for identifying, leading, and supporting waste elimination and process improvement initiatives that positively impact key business performance metrics, including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People across Manufacturing and Business Operations.

This position maintains a strong presence on the manufacturing floor and leverages direct observation, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to identify opportunities, validate improvement opportunities, and drive sustainable results.

Working closely with manufacturing, engineering, and business teams, this role applies Lean, Continuous Improvement, and Industrial Engineering methodologies to optimize processes, improve operational performance, and enhance existing standards. Success in this position requires the ability to influence outcomes across all levels of the organization, facilitate change, and drive alignment without direct authority through a disciplined, data-driven approach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partner with manufacturing and business leaders to develop and execute annual operational improvement plans focused on productivity, labor optimization, cost reduction, standard work, ergonomics, capacity utilization, and workflow efficiency.
• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives through the structured application of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Industrial Engineering principles and tools.
• Facilitate deployment of Lean, Daily Management, and Change Management practices across all organizational levels, from frontline teams to plant leadership, utilizing value stream mapping, problem-solving methodologies, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination.
• Own the collection, validation, analysis, and reporting of operational data to identify improvement opportunities and ensure achievement of performance objectives related to safety, quality, cost, delivery, and profitability.
• Support capital investment and Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) initiatives by evaluating opportunities related to labor efficiency, material utilization, process capability, technology implementation, equipment performance, and throughput optimization.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for Manufacturing Operating Systems (MOS), leveraging operational metrics and performance data to identify root causes, develop solutions, and drive sustained results.
• Identify, document, and communicate project risks, constraints, and roadblocks while facilitating timely escalation and resolution.
• Apply flow optimization methodologies, including Theory of Constraints and bottleneck analysis, to improve process performance and support business objectives.
• Promote and utilize Industrial Engineering tools and methodologies, including time studies, work sampling, standard work analysis, capacity modeling, layout optimization, simulation modeling, line balancing, and automation assessments.
• Evaluate employee-generated improvement ideas and recommendations for technical feasibility, operational impact, and implementation opportunity.
• Execute assigned projects independently while proactively identifying and pursuing additional improvement opportunities.
• Act as an effective change agent by driving organizational adoption of new processes, standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze complex operational challenges requiring both quantitative and qualitative evaluation and develop practical, sustainable solutions
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve operational standards to ensure process stability, performance consistency, and long-term operational excellence.
• Demonstrate behaviors aligned with Silfex's Mission, Vision, and Core Values through professionalism, accountability, a positive attitude, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Promote a culture of safety by modeling safe work practices, complying with all company safety policies and procedures, utilizing required PPE, and promptly reporting hazards, incidents, and unsafe conditions.
• Foster strong partnerships across all levels of the organization through clear, respectful, and proactive communication, building trust, collaboration, and alignment to achieve business objectives.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years of experience with a Master's degree
• Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement, operational excellence, or industrial engineering initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead projects and influence stakeholders across a matrixed organization without direct reporting authority.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentations, project updates, and training delivery.
• Effective collaboration skills with the ability to work successfully across operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, and leadership teams.
• Experience utilizing business systems, operational dashboards, and performance metrics to drive decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Lean, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent Continuous Improvement certification.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments, particularly machining operations.
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Experience with Discrete Event Simulation such as Arena, FlexSim, AnyLogic, Simio
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) such as FactoryTalk, DELMIAWorks, or ShopVue.
• Experience in semiconductor manufacturing, precision machining, advanced manufacturing, or other high-technology industries.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and; talk or hear.

The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly is required to lift up to 10 pounds. The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the environment is moderate.

Our Commitment

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company ("Silfex" or the "Company"), is an equal opportunity employer. Silfex is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company’s intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.