Manufacturing Systems Leader: Optimize Flow & Throughput

Howmet; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet in Whitehall, Michigan is seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineering Leader to improve factory performance through optimized production flow, capacity utilization, inventory control and operational stability. You will apply data-driven principles to reduce lead times, boost throughput, lower WIP, and enhance schedule reliability across manufacturing operations.

The role demands systems thinking, strong leadership, and the ability to drive continuous improvement across shifts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience.
• Minimum 3 years of people leadership experience.
• U.S. legal work authorization required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering Team and manage staffing, coaching, performance reviews.
• Flow & throughput optimization to improve production flow and reduce bottlenecks.
• Capacity and variability management to balance load and optimize buffering.
• Production planning & scheduling collaboration to reduce WIP and lead times.
• Data analysis and modeling to develop KPIs (Throughput, On-time delivery, WIP, Flow time, OEE).
• Lead Lean/Six Sigma/Kaizen initiatives and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Systems thinking

Data analysis

Leadership

Process improvement

Education

BS in Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Job description

Howmet in Whitehall, Michigan is seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineering Leader to improve factory performance through optimized production flow, capacity utilization, inventory control and operational stability. You will apply data-driven principles to reduce lead times, boost throughput, lower WIP, and enhance schedule reliability across manufacturing operations.

The role demands systems thinking, strong leadership, and the ability to drive continuous improvement across shifts.