Operational Excellence Engineer I

Apogee Enterprises Inc; Reed City (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Apogee Architectural Metals in Michigan is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer I to support the deployment of the AMS and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations. You will learn core CI tools, analyze data, and help design scalable process improvements that boost safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

You will partner with supervisors, engineers, and operators, contribute to process development, data analysis, and problem solving, and help trainers build foundational

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 0-2 years of manufacturing or CI-related experience.
• CAD experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with supervisors, engineers, and operators to understand operational processes.
• Assist the cross-functional development, standardization, and optimization of manufacturing and business processes.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing operational and process data to identify inefficiencies and performance gaps.
• Assist structured problem-solving efforts for small- to mid-scale operational issues.
• Use AMS tools and techniques to drive operational improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to brainstorm solutions, implement changes, and monitor results.

Skills

Manufacturing basics

Analytical skills

Continuous improvement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD

Job description

Apogee Architectural Metals

Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), founded in 1949 and headquartered in Minneapolis, MN designs and delivers architectural products and services that enclose and enhance commercial buildings. www.apog.com

Apogee Architectural Metals is a segment of Apogee specializing in aluminum framing, windows, storefront, curtainwall, and entrance systems. We provide integrated capabilities, including design, engineering, extrusion, finishing, fabrication and assembly, across North America. Through our brands including Alumicor, EFCO, Linetec, Tubelite, and Wausau, we deliver quality, consistency, and value-added services throughout our portfolio.

Position Summary

The Operational Excellence Engineer I supports the deployment of the Apogee Management System (AMS) and continuous improvement efforts within manufacturing operations. This role focuses on learning core operational excellence tools, supporting improvement activities, and building foundational skills in problem solving, data analysis, and standard work. The role will drive operational excellence by designing, implementing, and sustaining scalable process improvements that enhance safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Process Development

• Partner with supervisors, engineers, and operators to understand operational processes.
• Assist the cross-functional development, standardization, and optimization of manufacturing and business processes, including support of capital projects from concept through implementation to improve capacity, flow, and operational effectiveness.

Data Analysis

• Assist in collecting and analyzing operational and process data to identify inefficiencies, constraints, and performance gaps; conduct research on best practices, technologies, and methods to inform solution development and investment decisions.

Problem Solving

• Assist structured problem-solving efforts for small- to mid-scale operational issues and support larger, cross-functional initiatives, including capital and transformation projects, using disciplined root-cause and corrective action methodologies.

Ops/AMS

• Use AMS tools and techniques to drive operational improvements.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to brainstorm solutions, implement changes, and monitor results.
• Support leaders and frontline teams in developing foundational capability in AMS/Lean tools by providing basic training, technical guidance, and assistance with certification requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Foundational understanding of manufacturing operations
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Willingness to learn CI tools and systems
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Education and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Experience

• 0-2 years of manufacturing or CI-related experience
• CAD experience preferred

Work Environment/Travel Requirements

• Frequent exposure to manufacturing environment.
• Extended periods of office work on a computer and in team meetings.
• Regional day travel is expected with this role.
• Overnight travel requirements will be variable based on projects and business activities, expected up to 10%
• oAbility to work in both office and manufacturing environments.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Our Benefits

• Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
• Incentive Plans
• 401(k) with employer contribution and match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Program
• Training and Career Progression

Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.