Manufacturing Engineer

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Blair (NE); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Astec is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop and improve manufacturing processes for heavy equipment, collaborating with cross-functional teams across engineering, purchasing, and operations in Blair, Nebraska. You will analyze current workflows, implement lean improvements, and support new capital equipment projects with ROI assessments and production planning.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's degree in industrial or mechanical engineering and at least three years in manufacturing,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years related work experience in a manufacturing environment with heavy machinery.

Responsibilities

• Develops, evaluates, and recommends improvements in manufacturing methods through new processes and modifications, minimizing cost and effectively applying production capabilities.
• Implements process improvements through time studies, process mapping, value‑stream mapping, spaghetti mapping and workload balancing, through cross‑functional team collaboration.
• Using standard lean tool sets, achieves safety and process improvements, through reductions cycle‑time, rework, scrap, inventory, overtime, space, on‑time completions, etc.
• Facilitates continuous improvements through the use of lean tools and coordinates lean training, development activities of all employees.
• Works with manufacturing to analyze and plan work force utilization, space requirements, material routing and handling methods, manufacturing processes and methods, machine and tool design applications, workflow and new technology and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency, safety and quality.
• Estimates production times, capacity requirements and related costs to provide information for management decisions and to meet completion dates and technical specifications.
• Develops proposals, evaluates new development programs and recommends changes in parts specifications, manufacturing processes and production methods and/or objectives to improve quality, productivity, manufacturability and safety as required.
• Applies statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential.
• Responsible for the transition of new product introductions from engineering to manufacturing, including capacity analysis, process robustness and process validations.
• Develops and maintains the manufacturing process work instructions and assembly tooling that are initiated by product design or method improvement changes.
• Specify new equipment and design required fixtures, jigs and tooling needed to meet production and quality requirements.
• Prepares and makes presentations to individuals and groups using Microsoft Office applications.
• Researches, organizes, analyzes and maintains records of technical information from a variety of sources.
• Follows company policies and procedures at all times.
• Follows proper safety rules and procedures at all times.
• Performs special projects other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing processes

Statistical methods

Process improvement

Reading engineering drawings

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in industrial/manufacturing/mechanical engineering

Tools

Nesting software

Job description

BUILT TO CONNECT

At Astec, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of building long-lasting relationships with our employees, customers and the communities we call home. With a team more than 4,000 strong, our employees are our #1 advantage. We invest in skills training and provide opportunities for career development to help you grow along with the business. We offer programs that support physical safety, as well as benefits and resources to enhance total health and wellbeing, so you can be your best at work and at home.

Our equipment is used to build the roads and infrastructure that connects us to each other and to the goods and services we use. We are an industry leader known for delivering innovative solutions that create value for our customers. As our industry evolves, we are using new technology and data like never before.

We’re looking for creative problem solvers to build the future with us. Connect with us today and build your career at Astec.

LOCATION: Blair, Nebraska

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Manufacturing Engineer primarily focuses on developing manufacturing processes, process improvements, and provides related technical support. The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for providing manufacturing support for existing/future processes, tooling, and fixtures to support the manufacturing of heavy equipment. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with cross‑functional teams to include but not limited to: manufacturing, purchasing, operational excellence, and engineering departments to manage and coordinate project activities, support existing product offerings, and identify equipment needs on the production floor, and determine ROI for new capital equipment purchasing to further Astec’s Mobile Equipment production line development goals.

Deliverables & Responsibilities

• Develops, evaluates, and recommends improvements in manufacturing methods through new processes and modifications, minimizing cost and effectively applying production capabilities.
• Implements process improvements through time studies, process mapping, value‑stream mapping, spaghetti mapping and workload balancing, through cross‑functional team collaboration,
• Using standard lean tool sets, achieves safety and process improvements, through reductions cycle‑time, rework, scrap, inventory, overtime, space, on‑time completions, etc.
• Facilitates continuous improvements through the use of lean tools and coordinates lean training, development activities of all employees.
• Works with manufacturing to analyze and plan work force utilization, space requirements, material routing and handling methods, manufacturing processes and methods, machine and tool design applications, workflow and new technology and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency, safety and quality.
• Estimates production times, capacity requirements and related costs to provide information for management decisions and to meet completion dates and technical specifications.
• Develops proposals, evaluates new development programs and recommends changes in parts specifications, manufacturing processes and production methods and/or objectives to improve quality, productivity, manufacturability and safety as required.
• Applies statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential.
• Responsible for the transition of new product introductions from engineering to manufacturing, including capacity analysis, process robustness and process validations.
• Develops and maintains the manufacturing process work instructions and assembly tooling that are initiated by product design or method improvement changes.
• Specify new equipment and design required fixtures, jigs and tooling needed to meet production and quality requirements.
• Prepares and makes presentations to individuals and groups using Microsoft Office applications.
• Researches, organizes, analyzes and maintains records of technical information from a variety of sources.
• Follows company policies and procedures at all times.
• Follows proper safety rules and procedures at all times.
• Performs special projects other duties as assigned.

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering or related field required.
• Minimum of three (3) years related work experience in a manufacturing environment required with a demonstrated understanding of heavy machinery manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of machine shop operations/processes required.
• Knowledge of LEAN methods used in manufacturing processes required.
• Knowledge of all types of metal‑cutting processes, to include punch, plasma, and flame cutting required.
• Knowledge of engineering/manufacturing system of symbols, legends, shading and lines required and skill reading engineering drawings required.
• Knowledge and understanding of nesting software for material optimization preferred.
• Must be able to collaborate and facilitate cross functional teams to influence and manage change in a heavy manufacturing, multi‑shift work environment.

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations

• No Supervision Duties

Our Culture and Values

Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
• Respect for all individuals
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
• Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success

Travel Requirements: 20% of travel, regional, no international

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Manufacturing Environment

Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.