Senior Industrial Engineer - Material Flow

Ghafari As; Dearborn, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari Associates seeks a Senior Project Engineer - Industrial Engineering in Dearborn, MI to lead productivity improvements in automotive assembly environments. The role emphasizes data-driven process enhancements and floor-level involvement.

The position requires BS in engineering, 8+ years of experience, and proficiency with lean methods and MTM/MOST/MODAPTS. Hybrid work setup in Dearborn supports collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering from an accredited university preferred; A Master’s Degree is also preferred, but not required.
• 8+ years of progressively more responsible previous experience.
• Experience in Materials Planning & Logistics (MP&L) / Material Flow Production floor management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead industrial engineering analysis, typically in a lead role while occasionally managing smaller projects.
• Perform process improvement studies to develop more efficient processes and operations.
• Observe operations, collect data, and perform process validation with proper documentation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of automotive material flow from docks to the point of fit.
• Spend time on the plant floor to learn current processes and guide improvements.
• Support layout engineers with market and flow design improvements.

Skills

Creativity

Critical thinking

Listening skills

Math/data analysis

Problem-solving

Communication

Writing

MS Office

MTM/MOST/MODAPTS

Travel flexibility

Education

BS degree in Engineering

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

MTM

MOST

MODAPTS

Job description

Hybrid

Dearborn, MI

Full time

R-100339

Job Description:

General Summary:

The Senior Project Engineer - Industrial Engineering will develop methods to increase productivity, improve efficiency, reduce waste, and manage operations more effectively. Experience in automotive assembly plants will be very beneficial in this role.

Essential Job Functions:

Provide industrial engineering analysis, typically in a lead role while occasionally managing smaller projects, to:

• Perform process improvement studies to develop more efficient processes and operations.

• Observe operations, collect data, and perform process validation and maintain necessary documentation.

• Demonstrate significant knowledge of automotive material flow from docks to the point of fit.

• Spend time on the plant floor to learn current processes.

• Support layout engineers with market and flow design improvements.

• Develop materials management analysis which may include:

• Storage analysis and layouts for warehouse and market areas

• Material flow analyses to improve material movement through facilities

• Dock utilization analyses to determine quantities, types, and locations of shipping/receiving docks

• Estimated labor and material handling equipment requirements

• Assist clients in increasing productivity within their processes and operations by applying lean principles.

• Use various problem-solving methodologies to identify the root causes of problems so that process improvements can be developed/recommended to eliminate the root causes.

• Perform cost studies, economic comparisons, and justification analysis.

• Confer with customers to implement plans and recommendations.

• Guide the project team members and support the project manager in achieving project goals.

• Support the development of various reports and presentation materials for presentations, and lead presentations as needed.

• Support and work with many different levels within the organization.

Employment Qualifications:

Education:

• BS degree in Engineering from an accredited university preferred. A Master’s Degree is also preferred, but not required. Will consider years of experience in lieu of degree requirements.

Experience:

• Materials Planning & Logistics (MP&L) / Material Flow Production floor experience/management preferred.
• Significant knowledge of automotive material flow from docks to the point of fit.
• 8 or more years of progressively more responsible previous experience.

Skills/Competencies:

• Among the skills and competencies that will contribute to success in this position are:
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Listening skills
• Math/data analysis skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Writing skills
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of software
• Proficiency/certification with predetermined labor standards systems (MTM, MOST, MODAPTS, etc.) is a plus
• Able to travel to project sites

About Us

At Ghafari Associates, we don’t just design buildings—we help shape the future of the industries we serve. As a global leader in architecture, engineering, and consulting, we partner with clients to deliver forward-thinking solutions that transform how people work, manufacture, and connect.

Our strength lies in our people. We bring together curious minds, technical experts, and creative problem-solvers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. Whether supporting major industrial programs or advancing federal and commercial projects, our teams are empowered to make a meaningful impact—both for our clients and within our communities.

We are committed to investing in our employees’ financial, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as their professional growth. Through robust training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement, we provide the resources our people need to build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the communities we are proud to call home.

Ghafari Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. As a federal contractor, Ghafari Associates maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in accordance with applicable laws.

Pay Transparency

Ghafari Associates will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Accommodation

Ghafari Associates is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. If you need an accommodation due to a disability to use our online system to apply for a position, you may also apply for positions in the following ways:

• By fax at: 313.436.8624, Attn: Human Resources
• By mail at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126, Attn: Human Resources
• In person at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126
• By email at: [e-mail]

If there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.

Ghafari is a community where talent thrives. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your skills, collaborate with industry leaders, and work on transformative projects around the globe.