Industrial Engineer Elkton, MI

Autokiniton; Michigan; On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Autokiniton is seeking an Industrial Engineer to drive capacity planning and optimize welding automation across our manufacturing network.

You will collaborate with plants, engineering, sales, and finance to ensure data-driven decisions, improve throughput, and reduce waste while maintaining safety and quality standards. Leadership and hands-on problem solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in industrial, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
• Five (5) to eight (8) years’ experience in a manufacturing environment; metal environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor capacity and demand in manufacturing processes; identify constraints and provide improvements.
• Provide capacity data for new work before award.
• Collaborate with sales, estimating, engineering, finance, and operations for planning accuracy.
• Ensure data, statistics, and performance metrics are available to stakeholders.
• Lead projects to upgrade systems and implement new technologies.
• Develop SOPs and train staff on welding automation systems.

Skills

Capacity planning

Lean manufacturing

Industrial engineering

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in industrial/mechanical/manufacturing engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Tracking Code

11334

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide the necessary Industrial Engineering and capacity planning skills, along with strong leadership, to the Engineering and Operations departments to drive optimal safety, quality, productivity, and delivery. Support the development and implementation of effective capacity planning strategies, policies, processes, and procedures to enhance operational performance and ensure both internal and external customer satisfaction.

JOB TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following job/task functions have been identified as the core functions of this position. However, the supervisor or manager may assign additional duties associated with this position.

• Support the Company’s mission, vision, values, and goals in the performance of daily activities.
• Provide key input into the development of departmental strategic goals along with identifying key measurable to support the departmental goals.
• Monitor key manufacturing processes for capacity and demand, while identifying constraints and providing analysis for improvement.
• Work with plants to provide customer required capacity data to prove capacity availability for new work before award.
• Collaborate / communicate with internal stakeholders (sales, estimating, engineering, finance, and operations) to obtain and to ensure current, accurate information is used for planning purposes to meet operational requirements.
• Ensure that the relevant data, statistical analysis, and performance metrics are available to internal stakeholders.
• P rocess Optimization: Analyze and improve manufacturing processes, focusing on welding automation systems, to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle times, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design, integrate, and maintain automated welding systems, ensuring seamless operation and high-quality output.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities in materials, labor, and processes while maintaining product quality and safety standards.
• Utilize data from production systems (e.g., PLCs, Active plant) to analyze performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and propose data-driven solutions.
• Apply lean principles, such as 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma, to streamline operations and eliminate non-value-added activities.
• Work with design, quality, and supply chain teams to support new product launches and ensure manufacturability of automotive parts.
• Lead projects to upgrade existing systems, implement new technologies, and enhance overall plant productivity.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and train production staff on best practices for operating automated welding systems.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
• Five (5) to eight (8) years’ experience in a manufacturing environment with experience in a metal’s environment preferred , or a combination of degree and experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Specialized knowledge and the ability to train and mentor others in formal problem-solving techniques such as Kaizen, value stream mapping, JIT synchronous, SMED quick die change, etc.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Intermittent Excel knowledge
• Ability to travel up to 25% to plant sites.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Exert force to 20lbs occasionally or to 10lbs frequently. Demands are including but not limited to stand, walk, twist, bend, lift, see, talk, and hear. Frequent travel to company plants, customer, and vendor sites. Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts vibration and hazardous materials.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this position.They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or working conditions.