Industrial Engineer III

Alfa Laval Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 106,073 - 140,549; Full time

Job summary

Alfa Laval Inc. in Chicago is seeking an Industrial Engineer III to lead high-impact initiatives that enhance productivity and quality. This role will focus on implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve process performance across operations while driving measurable results.

The ideal candidate has 5-7 years of manufacturing experience, with strong skills in data analysis and project management. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of manufacturing experience, including at least 3 years in Industrial Engineering.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional process improvement projects.
• Strong proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute Lean and Six Sigma initiatives.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes for inefficiencies.
• Implement Lean tools to streamline workflows and reduce cycle times.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Project management

Collaboration

Technical tools proficiency

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business or related field

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Minitab

Job description

About the Role

As an S&C Electric team member, you’ll work on projects that have real-world impact. You’ll help transform the grid for resilient and reliable power worldwide. S&C has more than a 100-year history of innovation and has been 100% employee-owned since 2012. We continue this legacy as a trusted, forward-thinking leader in the electrical industry. You will advance a safer, more reliable, and more resilient electrical grid. Our products help the grid adapt to severe weather and transition to clean energy. We’re big enough to be a respected industry leader but small enough for you to impact our company directly. Our commitment gives you opportunities to impact on and off the job positively.

Hours

8:00 am-5:00 pm (Mon-Fri) On-Site
Flexible start time

Compensation

At S&C, we are dedicated to providing competitive and equitable compensation for all our team members, and we are committed to transparency in our pay practices. The estimated annual base salary range for this position is $106,073 - $140,549. Individual pay within this salary range is determined by several compensable factors, including performance, knowledge, job-related skills and experience, and relevant education or training. This role is also eligible for S&C’s annual incentive plan (AIP), subject to eligibility criteria.

Position

Industrial Engineer III – Lead high-impact initiatives that enhance productivity, improve quality, and optimize process performance across our operations.

The Industrial Engineer III is responsible for executing and driving the implementation of process capability improvements within assigned value streams. This role focuses on improving productivity, enhancing quality, and building problem-solving capabilities across the organization by applying proven continuous improvement methodologies. It provides input on process improvement project work within the value stream and ensures consistent application of Lean and Six Sigma principles.

The Industrial Engineer III combines advanced Lean system design with Six Sigma tools to address process capability improvement. They establish practical standards for production, process improvement, and problem-solving while equipping teams with the skills and resources needed to sustain improvements over time.

In addition to managing high-impact projects, this role works closely with functional teams and other team members to ensure consistent application of Lean and Six Sigma practices. The role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to influence at multiple levels, and a focus on achieving results through collaboration and process discipline.

Key Responsibilities

• Enterprise Lean & Six Sigma Execution: Lead and execute Lean and Six Sigma initiatives aligned with S&C’s operational and business objectives. Apply an integrated Lean system and Six Sigma approach to improve productivity, quality, flow, and waste reduction across assigned areas.
• Process Improvement: Evaluate existing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies, waste, and bottlenecks.
• Lean Tool Application: Implement tools such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Standard Work, and Root Cause Analysis to streamline workflows and reduce cycle times.
• High-Impact Problem Solving: Apply advanced problem-solving methodologies to address complex, business-critical issues. Drive measurable reductions in cost of poor quality and optimize manufacturing and support processes.
• Project Leadership & Delivery: Lead cross-functional improvement projects of moderate to high complexity, ensuring disciplined execution, measurable results, and integration into standard work and operating systems.
• Process & System Improvement: Conduct in-depth process assessments and facilitate improvements using DMAIC, Kaizen, and related methodologies. Embed improvements into standard operating procedures, work instructions, and visual management to ensure sustainment and scalability.
• Data Analysis & Performance Management: Use statistical analysis and performance data to identify trends, validate improvements, and track KPIs. Prepare and present clear, actionable insights to operational and business leadership.
• Change Management & Adoption: Partner with operational leaders and teams to drive understanding, ownership, and adoption of improvements.
• Communicate changes clearly to minimize resistance and enable effective transitions.
• Capability Building & Coaching: Build continuous improvement capability by coaching project teams and reinforcing disciplined use of Lean and problem-solving tools.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to align priorities, accelerate execution, and deliver sustainable results.
• Standardization & Governance: Ensure consistency in Lean tools, methods, and governance, supporting alignment with enterprise frameworks and local operating requirements.

Additional Functions

• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Attend in-person or virtual meetings as requested or required.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with others.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• 5–7 years of manufacturing experience, including a minimum of 3 years in Industrial Engineering, Lean, or Six Sigma–driven roles within fabrication and/or assembly environments.
• Continuous Improvement Delivery: Demonstrated success leading and completing cross-functional process improvement projects that deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.
• Process Assessment & Planning: Proven ability to assess end-to-end processes; develop project charters and improvement plans; align initiatives with business objectives; and ensure effective use of resources and budget.
• Leadership & Influence: Ability to lead, coach, and motivate small project teams, guiding stakeholders through change while driving accountability and results.
• Data & Statistical Analysis: Strong proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation, with the ability to identify trends, validate improvements, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Business Acumen: Solid understanding of manufacturing and supply chain economics, with an analytical and pragmatic approach to problem solving that balances impact, cost, and complexity.
• Communication: Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly influence and align stakeholders from shop-floor teams to Business Unit leadership.
• Practical Problem Solving: Demonstrated judgment in selecting and applying appropriate Lean and problem-solving tools, favoring effective and scalable solutions over unnecessary complexity.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, navigate conflict, and foster productive partnerships across functions and leadership levels.
• Project & Time Management: Proven organizational and project management skills, capable of managing multiple improvement initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Technical Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and statistical tools such as Minitab.

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience developing area improvement strategy to meet business KPI targets (Safety, Quality, Delivery & Cost).
• Experienced in promoting and facilitating change in manufacturing and transactional functional settings.

Required Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Preferred Education & Certifications

• MBA or Master’s in Engineering, Operations, Business or a related field
• Lean Manufacturing Implementation & Kaizen Facilitation experience

Physical Requirements

• Sitting: Continuously required to remain in a stationary position and perform desk-based tasks for hours at a time.
• Walking: Occasionally required to walk moderate distances.
• Communication: Continuously required to talk and hear or otherwise, in person and by phone/conference calls.
• Observation / Eyesight: Frequently required to observe details at close range, including depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to differentiate between colors.
• Lifting: Occasionally required to solo lift supplies weighing from 5 to 20 pounds and some operation of hand carts.
• Travel: May require travel overnight, domestically and internationally, and work extended hours when necessary.

Environmental & Hazardous Conditions

Continuously working indoors in an air-conditioned office/manufacturing environment.