Senior Industrial Engineer

Yanfeng; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Yanfeng is seeking a Senior Industrial Engineer to lead lean manufacturing, labor planning, and facility layout across automotive plant operations. You will drive continuous improvement, model labor requirements, and direct multi-disciplinary teams on value stream mapping and capital projects.

The role emphasizes advanced AutoCAD layout work, process optimization, and collaboration with operations, program management, and CI teams to deliver measurable productivity gains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Operations Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in Industrial Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in the automotive industry preferred.
• Travel to customer sites and plants may be required.
• Extensive experience with labor planning, time studies, line balancing, and capacity analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, and CI methodologies.
• Experience leading complex operational improvement projects and manufacturing expansions.
• Advanced AutoCAD and facility layout planning experience.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret operational/financial data.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale lean manufacturing and CI initiatives improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Develop strategic facility flow improvements to enhance material movement and throughput.
• Lead value stream mapping and create future-state roadmaps with targets.
• Champion Kaizen events and guide cross-functional teams to eliminate waste.
• Monitor industrial engineering metrics and drive plant objectives.
• Lead labor planning activities for new and existing programs and optimize staffing.
• Develop labor models, time studies, and capacity analyses using standard methods.
• Own facility layout strategy; lead plant layout redesigns with AutoCAD.
• Develop capital expenditure requests to support automation and expansions.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Labor planning

Time studies

Line balancing

Capacity analysis

Facility layout planning

Industrial engineering

Manufacturing optimization

Analytical skills

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical/Operations Engineering or related

Tools

AutoCAD

MODAPTS

Automation technologies

Simulation modelling

Job description

Job Description

The Senior Industrial Engineer serves as a subject matter expert in industrial engineering, lean manufacturing, labor optimization, facility planning, and material flow strategy. This position is responsible for leading complex operational improvement initiatives, developing long-term manufacturing strategies, and driving sustainable productivity improvements across plant operations. The Senior Industrial Engineer partners with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Program Management, and Continuous Improvement teams to optimize labor utilization, facility layouts, capacity planning, and operational performance while supporting the successful launch of new business and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead large-scale lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity performance.
• Develop and implement strategic facility flow improvements to enhance material movement, floor space utilization, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Lead value stream mapping exercises and develop future-state roadmaps with measurable improvement targets.
• Champion Kaizen events and facilitate cross-functional teams in identifying and eliminating waste.
• Establish and monitor key industrial engineering performance metrics, ensuring achievement of plant and organizational objectives.
• Serve as the site's industrial engineering expert for labor productivity, operational efficiency, and manufacturing optimization initiatives.

Labor Planning & Productivity Management

• Lead direct and indirect labor planning activities for new and existing programs.
• Develop labor models, staffing plans, and workforce optimization strategies using labor standards and analytical tools.
• Conduct advanced time studies, work sampling, line balancing, and labor analysis utilizing MODAPTS® or equivalent methodologies.
• Validate labor assumptions during quoting, program launches, and operational changes.
• Maintain and continuously improve labor databases, standards, and best practices across operations.

Facility Layout & Material Flow

• Own facility planning and layout strategy, ensuring alignment with business growth, operational requirements, and corporate standards.
• Lead plant layout redesign projects utilizing AutoCAD and facility planning tools.
• Evaluate warehouse capacity requirements and optimize storage, supermarkets, line-side presentation, kitting, and material delivery methods.
• Develop integrated material flow solutions that support lean manufacturing principles and operational scalability.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities related to material handling, AGVs, conveyance systems, and warehouse operations.

Program Launch & Capital Projects

• Lead industrial engineering support for new product launches from concept through production implementation.
• Participate in facility footprint planning and manufacturing strategy decisions.
• Develop capital expenditure requests and business cases supporting automation, equipment investments, and operational improvements.
• Provide industrial engineering leadership during equipment installation, facility expansions, and plant reconfiguration projects.
• Support AME, Operations, and Program Management teams with manufacturing readiness and capacity planning activities.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as a technical mentor to Industrial Engineers, CI Engineers, and engineering interns.
• Provide direction and guidance on industrial engineering methodologies, labor standards, and lean principles.
• Lead cross-functional project teams without direct reporting authority.
• Support the development and deployment of engineering best practices across multiple facilities.
• Present improvement strategies, project status, and business results to plant and senior leadership teams.

Additional Responsibilities

• May be involved in helping to move heavy parts within plants
• May assist line with product changes to meet specifications.
• May have Yanfeng interns assigned to them for supervisory development and project coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelors of Science Degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Operations Engineering or related.
• 7+ Years of Experience in Industrial Engineering.
• 5+ Years of Experience within the automotive industry desired.
• Must be able and willing to travel and work at customer sites, including industrial manufacturing plants which might require climbing, lifting, or working in confined spaces.
• Extensive experience with labor planning, time studies, line balancing, and capacity analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex operational improvement projects.
• Advanced AutoCAD and facility layout planning experience.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational and financial data.
• Experience supporting new program launches and manufacturing expansions.
• Ability to influence teams and drive results in a matrix organization.
• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel as required within North American manufacturing operations.
• Flexible work with regional plant visits as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification.
• MODAPTS® Certification.
• APICS / ASCM Certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Experience with simulation modelling, automation systems, AGVs, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Multi-site manufacturing support experience.

About Us

Thank you for your interest in Yanfeng. As one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, we are creating the future of mobility as a collaborative, global team. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, as well as a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are a company with an established history and a bright future.

In North America, Yanfeng is focused on enhancing the mobility experience through the design, development, and manufacturing of automotive interiors, seating, electronics, and passive safety systems. Founded in Shanghai in 1936, Yanfeng’s history of innovation and craftsmanship have since expanded the business globally. Currently, Yanfeng has more than 240 locations and approximately 55,000 employees worldwide.

Become a part of something more. Join our team as we grow and create the future of mobility, together.

About The Team

Yanfeng is committed to developing our employees through opportunities like development programs, continuous learning, mentorship, and volunteerism. Our industry-leading team is looking to recruit highly motivated and engaged talent. Upon joining Yanfeng, new employees will get a detailed introduction through our comprehensive onboarding process. Advance your career with personal and professional growth as a part of our global team!