Lead Manufacturing Engineer.

What you'll do:

Primary Function:
Championing a safe work environment while providing leadership for the Arecibo Feeders Operation through productivity, cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives. Lead projects that enhance safety, quality, delivery, capacity, and OEE, while deploying CIF and Operationally Outstanding tools to drive improvements in key performance indicators, including PPM, warranty claims, fill rate, on-time performance, yield, and scrap.

Essential Functions:

1. Lead the identification, development, and execution of projects that drive growth, productivity, operational excellence, cost reduction, and capacity expansion.
2. Supervise, coach, and develop engineering technicians to ensure effective execution of departmental objectives and continuous skill development.
3. Deploy, sustain, and promote Continuous Improvement Framework (CIF), Operationally Outstanding (OO), Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and problem-solving methodologies throughout the operation.
4. Develop, evaluate, optimize, and sustain manufacturing methods, processes, and workflows to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
5. Analyze operational and business data; prepare reports, dashboards, capacity studies, and presentations to support decision-making and performance reviews.
6. Design and implement production layouts, visual controls, embedded testing solutions, and workspace configurations that maximize operational efficiency and material flow.
7. Develop, maintain, and improve Standard Work Instructions (SWI), Manufacturing Instruction Letters (MILs), visual aids, training materials, and Value Stream Maps for current, future, and ideal states.
8. Monitor manufacturing performance and process capability, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective and preventive actions using Lean and Six Sigma tools.
9. Lead setup reduction, Kaizen events, Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE), ELSS, Rapid Improvement Events (RIE), Standard Time Work Estimation (STWE), and other continuous improvement initiatives.
10. Perform manufacturing cost analyses, including Make-vs.-Buy evaluations, and support plant cost-savings programs and productivity initiatives.
11. Conduct workforce planning, operation balancing, routing validation, product structure development, and manufacturing integration activities to support business growth and operational requirements.
12. Evaluate, select, procure, and implement manufacturing equipment, tools, automation systems, and emerging technologies to improve safety, quality, performance, and reliability.
13. Design, develop, validate, and support manufacturing equipment, fixtures, tooling, and testing systems for new and existing products.
14. Manage capital projects from concept through implementation, including business case development, appropriation requests, vendor selection, procurement, project execution, tracking, and reporting.
15. Provide technical training, coaching, and support to operators, technicians, and cross-functional teams.
16. Manage third-party suppliers and external resources supporting equipment development, validation, qualification, and technical projects.
17. Maintain manufacturing master data, including routings, product structures, and related system information.
18. Support quality systems by responding to CQM and CAPA requirements, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing effective containment, corrective, and preventive actions.
19. Participate in and support internal and external audits, including ISO, MESH, EQS, Lean, customer, and corporate assessments.
20. Foster a strong safety culture by leading risk assessments, Job Safety Analyses (JSA), safety inspections, machine guarding improvements, accident investigations, and arc flash mitigation initiatives in coordination with the MESH organization.
21. Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams to achieve strategic objectives and improve key performance indicators, including safety, quality, delivery, OEE, scrap, PPM, warranty claims, fill rate, and on-time performance.

Additional Information

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) Responsibilities and Accountabilities
1. Utilize PowerBi dashboards/ Ignition/PCAT and real-time manufacturing data to monitor key performance indicators, support Tier 2 reviews, drive rapid response actions, and ensure timely follow-up with cross-functional teams.
2. Promote and support the effective adoption and utilization of Ignitions/MES systems tools across the manufacturing operation through dashboards, visual management displays, and daily management processes.
3. Provide technical support and guidance for Ignition, PCat, and Mfg. systems, resolving functionality issues, monitoring system performance, and implementing corrective and preventive actions when required.
4. Maintain and enforce standardized use of Igntion, PCat and MES systems within manufacturing areas to ensure data integrity, process compliance, and operational visibility.
5. Monitor shop floor connectivity, identify system anomalies, and communicate issues through the appropriate escalation and tier management processes.
6. Support the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of shop floor connectivity infrastructure and user interfaces.
7. Provide ongoing support, maintenance, and deployment of manufacturing workstations, including setup and configuration of new workstations and related infrastructure.
8. Support the administration and performance of the Kinetic IoT Platform, cloud-based applications, containers, and manufacturing dashboards to ensure system reliability and data availability.
9. Maintain and improve the accuracy and performance of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) calculations and reporting systems.
10. Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, IT, and Engineering teams to leverage Industry 4.0 technologies that improve equipment performance, process visibility, productivity, reliability, and data-driven decision-making.
11. Identify opportunities to expand digital manufacturing capabilities, automation, data analytics, and smart factory initiatives that support operational excellence and continuous improvement objectives.
12. Ensure data accuracy, system sustainability, and user engagement to maximize the value of Industry 4.0 solutions throughout the operation.

Qualifications:

Specialized Knowledge
• Bachelor's degree in industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in manufacturing and component fabrication processes, including stamping, machining, molding, plating, assembly, and related production operations.
• Previous supervisory and team leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.

Skills:

Technical and Professional Competencies
• Proven ability to prioritize activities, evaluate alternatives, and respond effectively to changing business conditions and operational challenges.
• Strong project management skills, with demonstrated experience leading multiple projects simultaneously from concept through implementation.
• Hands-on experience identifying, developing, managing, and executing productivity, cost reduction, capital, and continuous improvement projects.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, preventive and corrective maintenance practices, and process optimization.
• Experience evaluating, selecting, and implementing new technologies, automation solutions, and manufacturing equipment to improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits, including ISO, MESH, quality system, customer, and corporate compliance audits.
• Strong understanding of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations, MESH requirements, risk assessment methodologies, and safe work practices.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues that may impact on employee safety, product quality, customer satisfaction, or business performance.
• Ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with employees, leadership teams, customers, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through organizational changes, shifting priorities, and evolving customer requirements.
• Capability to effectively manage high-pressure situations while maintaining focus on safety, quality, delivery, and operational objectives.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies, manufacturing data analytics, Ilott systems, and digital manufacturing tools is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Windows operating systems, Minitab, and manufacturing business systems.
• Strong analytical, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) with strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Flexibility to work extended hours and provide operational support as required to meet business needs.

Additional Information:

Major or Unusual Problems:
• Interacting with resources managing multiple activities
• Project implementation window vs deadlines
• Maintain the pipeline fill up for future years
• Projects delays due to external vendors issues. #LI-MB2

External Contacts:
• External vendors contractors (Test equipment supplier)
• Equipment, tools and parts suppliers.
• Corporate Design Engineering and Electronic Groups (Tech Center).

Principal Accountabilities:
• Zero accident in the qualification and manufacturing area.
• Business continuity for the manufacturing tools, equipment and testing processes (downtime reduction).
• Reduce warranty complaints and increase yields.
• Comply and exceed the profit plan yearly goals establish by the division.
• Calibration compliance for test equipment.
• Internal/External Audits for certifications renewal.

All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates' privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.