Lean Process Engineer – Manufacturing Excellence

HSM (Hickory Springs Manufacturing) Company; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off (PTO)

On-site medical clinics

Teladoc access

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

HSM (Hickory Springs Manufacturing) Company in Fort Smith, AR is seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer to analyze and optimize manufacturing processes, apply Lean and Six Sigma, and design layout improvements.

You will develop SOPs, support APQP/PPAP, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive cost reduction and continuous improvement while ensuring safety and quality. Occasional travel up to 20% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and process validation preferred.
• Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD/SolidWorks).
• Experience with ERP systems, BOM management, and engineering change processes.
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001/IATF 16949 or similar quality systems desirable.
• Occasional travel up to 20% for supplier visits/audits/multi-site support.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce waste, and lower costs.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and time study methodologies to improve process performance.
• Design and implement process improvements, equipment changes, and manufacturing layouts.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, process flow diagrams, and setup documentation.
• Support APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, process validation, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and Engineering teams to solve production challenges and improve operations.
• Support new product launches, manufacturing feasibility reviews, and engineering change implementation.
• Monitor KPIs including scrap, downtime, and rework while leading root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Lead Kaizen events, cost reduction projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical training and process guidance to production teams while supporting safety and quality culture.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Time study

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

SPC

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

HSM (Hickory Springs Manufacturing) Company in Fort Smith, AR is seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer to analyze and optimize manufacturing processes, apply Lean and Six Sigma, and design layout improvements.

You will develop SOPs, support APQP/PPAP, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive cost reduction and continuous improvement while ensuring safety and quality. Occasional travel up to 20% may be required.