Manufacturing Engineer

Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc.; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in manufacturing is seeking a Primary Process Owner to enhance productivity and reduce costs through process improvements. The successful candidate will lead cross-functional teams, apply lean methodologies, and oversee the implementation of new manufacturing processes. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering and at least three years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience with heavy machinery processes.
• Knowledge of machine shop operations.
• Ability to read engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and recommend manufacturing process improvements.
• Facilitate continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee the transition of new products from engineering to manufacturing.

Skills

Lean manufacturing methods

Collaboration skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerBI

Job description

At Astec, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of building long-lasting relationships with our employees, customers, and communities. With a team of over 4,000 employees, we invest in skills training and career development opportunities. We also provide programs supporting safety, health, and wellbeing, enabling our team to excel at work and home.

Our equipment helps build roads and infrastructure that connect us and facilitate the exchange of goods and services. As industry leaders, we deliver innovative solutions that add value for our customers, leveraging new technology and data as the industry evolves.

We seek creative problem solvers to help build the future with us. Connect with us today and advance your career at Astec.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Primary Process Owner collaborates closely with manufacturing, quality, OpEx, and safety teams to develop safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing methods. This role involves identifying process improvement opportunities to enhance productivity and reduce costs, utilizing Kaizen, lean tools, and methods. The owner leads cross-functional events to analyze and deploy standards, improve quality, ensure on-time delivery, and control costs, applying visual and auditable manufacturing best practices to solve problems, improve performance, and eliminate waste.

1. Develop, evaluate, and recommend manufacturing process improvements through new processes and modifications, minimizing costs and optimizing production capabilities.
2. Implement process improvements via time studies, process mapping, value-stream mapping, spaghetti mapping, and workload balancing through cross-functional collaboration.
3. Achieve safety and process improvements using lean tools, reducing cycle times, rework, scrap, inventory, overtime, space, and enhancing on-time completion.
4. Facilitate continuous improvement initiatives and coordinate lean training and development activities for all employees.
5. Analyze and plan workforce utilization, space, material routing, manufacturing processes, machine and tool design, workflow, and layout for maximum efficiency, safety, and quality.
6. Estimate production times, capacity needs, and costs to support management decisions and meet technical specifications.
7. Develop proposals, evaluate new development programs, and recommend changes in parts specifications, processes, and objectives to improve quality, productivity, and safety.
8. Apply statistical methods to forecast manufacturing requirements and potential.
9. Oversee the transition of new products from engineering to manufacturing, including capacity analysis, process robustness, and validation.
10. Maintain manufacturing process work instructions and assembly tooling, initiating updates based on design or process improvements.
11. Specify new equipment and design fixtures, jigs, and tooling to meet production and quality standards.
12. Prepare and deliver presentations using Microsoft Office applications.
13. Research, organize, and analyze technical information from various sources.
14. Adhere to company policies, procedures, and safety rules at all times.
15. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• At least three years of manufacturing experience, with a solid understanding of heavy machinery processes.
• Knowledge of machine shop operations and lean manufacturing methods.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerBI for data analysis.
• Familiarity with metal-forming processes such as laser cutting, machining, welding, flame cutting, and bending.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and knowledge of system symbols and legends.
• Strong collaboration skills to facilitate cross-functional teams and manage change in a multi-shift environment.
• Reliable attendance record.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, analyze data, establish facts, draw conclusions, and interpret technical instructions in various forms. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills are essential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regular use of hands, reaching, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and handling. Ability to occasionally move over 49 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Exposure to shop and warehouse environments, moving mechanical parts, and outdoor weather conditions. Occasional exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and loud noise levels. Reasonable accommodations can be provided for disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Astec does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.