Tactical Operations Engineer

EMD Curtiss Wright Electro Mechanical; Cheswick (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 76,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401K with Employer Match and Profit Sh

Health and Wellness Benefits

Learning and Development Opportunities

Referral Program

Competitive Pay

Recognition

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Job summary

EMD Curtiss Wright Electro Mechanical in Cheswick, PA is seeking a Tactical Operations Engineer to drive organizational transformation by blending engineering with strategic planning across technology, process and business systems. The role leads initiatives to improve throughput, reduce lead time, and strengthen gated release and on-time delivery.

The candidate will design, implement, and sustain new operating systems and workflows, collaborating with shop floor teams and multiple functions to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, industrial engineering, or continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Experience improving manufacturing throughput, reducing lead time, and driving measurable operational performance improvements.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, plan, and design systems or processes; integrate hardware/software, embedded systems, or service platforms.
• Lead pilot projects and efficient process development; perform cost estimates and feasibility analyses.
• Design, implement, and sustain new operating systems, workflows, and standard work to improve execution and accountability.
• Partner with shop floor personnel to identify bottlenecks and improve process flow.
• Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput and on-time delivery; monitor KPIs and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

We are looking for a Tactical Operations Engineer to join our Pittsburgh (Cheswick) location. As our Tactical Operations Engineer is responsible for driving organizational transformation by blending engineering expertise with strategic planning to design, optimize, and implement solutions that align with organizational goals across technology, process, and business systems.

This role leads initiatives that improve manufacturing throughput, reduce lead time, strengthen gated release processes, and establish sustainable on-time delivery performance across the organization.

Salary: $76,200 - $110,000 per year. Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in PA. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

We Take Care of Our People:

• Paid Time Off
• 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing
• Health and Wellness Benefits
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Referral Program
• Competitive Pay
• Recognition
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Your Challenge:

Conceive, plan, and design systems or processes; integrate hardware/software, embedded systems, or service platforms; conduct research programs applying engineering principles. Perform cost estimates, engineering studies, and feasibility analyses; explore disruptive technologies; lead pilot projects and effective efficient process development. Design, implement, and sustain new operating systems, workflows, and standard work that improve organizational execution and accountability. Partner directly with shop floor personnel to identify production constraints, remove bottlenecks, and improve process flow. Collaborate with Engineering, Planning, Supply Chain, Quality, and Production teams to ensure operational alignment and successful execution of improvement initiatives. Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing throughput, reducing lead time, and improving operational efficiency: kaizen events, value stream mapping exercises, process improvement workshops. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), identify trends, and recommend/implement strategic corrective actions that improve on‑time delivery, quality performance, productivity, and capacity utilization. Support change management efforts to ensure new systems and processes are successfully adopted and sustained.

What You Bring:

• Due to DoD requirements, candidates must be US citizens.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain DOD security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, industrial engineering, or continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Experience improving manufacturing throughput, reducing lead time, and driving measurable operational performance improvements.
• Strong understanding of production planning, capacity management, scheduling, and workflow optimization.
• Proven ability to facilitate cross‑functional teams and drive organizational change.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence employees at all organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Experience with value stream mapping, kaizen administration, 5S, and other LEAN tools.
• Experience implementing manufacturing operating systems or production control systems.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, or similar reporting platforms.

Who we are:

Our Values Environmental, Social and Governance. EMD a business unit of Curtiss-Wright in Cheswick, PA designs, manufactures, tests, and provides after‑market support for the most advanced, proven and reliable critical function pumps, motors, generators, seals, control rod drive mechanisms and power conditioning electronics available anywhere in the world today. Curtiss‑Wright EMD has a long‑standing and distinguished reputation for the design, development, manufacture, and qualification of critical‑function machining solutions for the United States Navy and the commercial nuclear utility industry. http://www.emd.cwfc.com/

Compliance Statement: This position may require exposure to export‑controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export‑controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Curtiss‑Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law –

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

Join the WRIGHT Team! Over 95 years of growth, Curtiss‑Wright is an integrated, market‑facing global diversified industrial company and remains a technology leader through this legacy of innovation. Through three well‑balanced segments – Aerospace & Industrial, Defense Electronics and Naval & Power, we remain focused on advanced technologies for high performance platforms and critical applications. Diversity, commitment to excellence and dedication to the spirit of pioneering innovation continue to drive the employees of Curtiss‑Wright.

Our Values. What makes a world‑class organization? It all begins with core values that provide a strong foundation for success. Simple in theory, the values of Curtiss‑Wright are reflected in every aspect of our operations. To our employees, these are more than words on a wall – we all take these values to heart in our relationships with our customers and each other. Leadership – We lead based on vision and strategic direction, empowering employees to reach goals through thoughtful and decisive action. Customer Focus – We are committed to achieving total quality by meeting our customers’ expectations and delivering products and services in a timely fashion. Teamwork & Trust – Working in a spirit of trust and collaboration, we actively encourage employees to contribute their ideas and innovations to keep our company moving forward. Respect for People – We believe that people are our most valuable asset and will always do the right thing in our dealings and interactions with all employees. Integrity – We will act with the highest integrity in all of our business relationships and strategic partnerships.