Industrial Engineer, Labor Management & Distribution Science

3m; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel opportunities (up to 25%)

Job summary

3M is seeking an Industrial Engineer at our Dekalb, IL distribution center to design, implement and optimize labor management programs, automation integrations, and continuous improvement projects across distribution and logistics operations.

You will work with cross‑functional teams, analyze data, develop engineered standards, and manage project budgets while mentoring interns and new engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial manufacturing engineering, operations research, or statistics.
• 3 years in labor management program engineering labor standards in distribution or fulfillment centers.
• 3 years in AutoCAD or similar CAD tool.
• 3 years Lean Six Sigma methodology.
• 3 years SQL and analytics exposure.
• Distribution automation technologies experience.
• Proficiency in SQL, analytics, simulation, and project management tools.

Responsibilities

• Labor management program implementation and optimization across DCs.
• Lead automation projects to improve efficiency and throughput.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, cost reduction and efficiency gains.
• Collect, analyze and report DC performance metrics for decision making.
• Collaborate with Operations, IT and Supply Chain for integrated solutions.
• Manage project budgets, AFEs, materials, costs, and procurement.
• Provide guidance to interns and new engineers.

Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication & Leadership

Labor standards experience

SQL

Lean Six Sigma

Distribution automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial manufacturing engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Industrial Engineer, Labor Management Systems & Distribution Excellence

As an Industrial Engineer at this 3M distribution center, you will play a pivotal role in driving operations excellence across our distribution centers. Your primary focus will be designing, implementing and optimizing our distribution and logistics operations, driving advanced automation systems, labor management programs and continuous improvement projects. You will leverage your expertise in Industrial engineering to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality within our operations.

You will work closely with teams across various departments to develop and refine labor management programs, build engineered standards, streamline workflows, and support the deployment of automation technologies. You will also be responsible for data analysis and process modeling to ensure that our operations are aligned with industry best practices and our company strategic goals.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

• Labor Management Program Implementation: Drive the development and deployment of a comprehensive labor management program, including workforce planning, productivity measurement, and labor standards to optimize workforce utilization.
• Lead Automation Projects: Design, develop, and implement cutting‑edge automation solutions within distribution centers, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and throughput.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Identify, analyze, and lead improvement projects across distribution centers, focusing on process optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency gains.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Gather, analyze, and report on key performance metrics related to distribution center operations, providing actionable insights to drive decision‑making and process improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including Operations, IT, and Supply Chain, to ensure seamless integration of industrial engineering solutions and alignment with broader business goals.
• Financial Responsibility: Manages financial aspects of a project team, including estimating expenditures, contributing to the creation of AFE, purchasing materials and/or services, monitoring and tracking costs, and payment. Proficient in engineering, sourcing, and financial systems to stay within established budget guidelines.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously. Provides guidance and training to interns, new hires and other engineers. Participates in and leads teams.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start) in industrial manufacturing engineering, operations research, statistics from an accredited institution.

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

• Three (3) years of experience in a labor management program engineering labor standards within a distribution or fulfillment center in a private, public, government or military environment.
• Three (3) years of experience in AutoCAD or similar CAD tool.
• Three (3) years of experience in Lean Six Sigma methodology.
• Three (3) years of experience in SQL.
• Distribution Automation technologies experience.
• Proficiency in SQL, analytics, simulation, and project management tools.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex systems and processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop innovative engineering solutions to drive improvements.
• Communication and Leadership: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively present ideas and influence decision‑making. Strong leadership and teamwork abilities, with a proven track record of successfully managing cross‑functional projects.

Work location

• Location: Dekalb, IL

Travel: May include up to 25% domestic/international.

Relocation Assistance: May be authorized.

Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.