Industrial Manufacturing Engineer

Bodycote plc; Hebron Estates (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Bodycote plc in Hebron Estates, KY, is seeking an Industrial Manufacturing Engineer to drive operational excellence by applying Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis to boost throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.

You will partner with Production, Engineering, Quality and Customer Service to identify bottlenecks, lead kaizen events and value stream mapping, and develop dashboards for performance tracking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in process improvement, operations, or related roles.
• Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and presentation abilities.
• Prefer working knowledge of metallurgy, temperatures, etc.; knowledge of PowerBI for actionable insights.
• Must demonstrate ability to read, write and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Support and sustain continuous improvement initiatives with measurable improvements in throughput, quality, flow, TAT, and cost reduction.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to reduce waste and improve process flow.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, CI and Customer Service to identify bottlenecks and apply structured problem-solving (DMAIC, 5 Why).
• Plan, schedule, and facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and Gemba walks.
• Analyze data and process metrics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Tools

PowerBI

Job description

Our people are the heart of our business. As the world's largest provider of thermal processing services, Bodycote employs thousands of highly skilled staff around the globe, including some of the best engineers, scientists, and technicians in the industry. Come join our team!

Due to the nature of our business and a heavy industrial market, Bodycote deems this position to be safety-sensitive.

Position Summary

The Industrial Manufacturing Engineer serves to drive operational excellence by leading initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency across manufacturing operations under the direction of the General Manager by applying structured methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis. The Industrial Manufacturing Engineer ensures sustainable gains in performance, cost reduction, the elimination of waste and customer satisfaction-fueling long-term growth and operational strength.

Essential Job Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)

• Support and sustain continuous improvement initiatives within the assigned production site, in alignment with established operational priorities and strategic plans, with a focus on measurable improvements in throughput, quality, flow, turnaround time (TAT), and cost reduction.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools, in accordance with established methodologies and processes, to reduce waste and variation and improve process flow.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, Continuous Improvement and Customer Service to identify process bottlenecks and support the application of structured problem-solving techniques, including Root Cause Analysis, DMAIC, and 5 Why.
• Plan, schedule, and facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and Gemba walks in accordance with established improvement priorities to engage teams and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Analyze data and process metrics to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement and provide findings to support established operational objectives.
• Help develop and maintain visual management systems, performance boards, and metrics dashboards in alignment with established standards to support operational visibility and performance tracking.
• Educate and support frontline teams and leaders in the use of Lean tools, including 5S, SMED, standard work, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke), while encouraging employee participation and idea generation.
• Support leadership in implementing annual improvement goals established through the organization’s strategic planning process and track progress against defined KPIs.
• Collaborate with internal departments and suppliers as needed to implement established improvement priorities, optimize workflow, reduce downtime, and strengthen process reliability.
• Support and promote established safety, housekeeping, and equipment/facility maintenance standards, including maintaining an organized and professional work environment in accordance with 5S principles.
• Promote and practice timely and accurate communication, verbally and in writing to employees, customers and business partners.
• Performs other tasks as assigned or dictated by position
• This position is responsible for the care and treatment of our customer's inventory and as such will perform duties in a safe and responsible manner to prevent customer loss or damage
• Must have the ability to report for work on time, follow directions, interact effectively with co-workers, understand and follow rules and procedures and accept constructive criticism

Qualifications

• This position must satisfy ITAR compliance requirements, therefore candidates must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent Resident Card Holders.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in process improvement, operations, or related roles.
• Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and presentation abilities.
• Prefer working knowledge of metallurgy, temperatures, etc. as well as PowerBI for actionable insights
• Must demonstrate the ability to read, write and communicate the English language

Physical & Mental Demands

• Must be able to work in a standing position for extended periods of time in an industrial environment.
• Ability to bend, pull, stoop and reach to perform functions
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• May be exposed to heat, fumes, noise, and humidity, etc.
• Must have the cognitive and mental capacity to perform essential job functions
• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Visual acuity to read documents, computer screens, files, etc.
• Ability to hear in person and via phone

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and levels of the work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, the job description does not constitute a written or implied contract for employment. Bodycote reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Bodycote is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against current and prospective employees based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age for individuals over forty years of age, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.