Job Title: Lead, Manufacturing Engineering - Manufacturing Planning Job Code: 40925 Job Location: Camden, AR Job Schedule: 4/10: Employee works 10 hours a day, 4 days a week Job Description:We are seeking a talented and motivated Lead, Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing processes and production planning and will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and optimizing manufacturing plans and routings. As the Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you will ensure that production processes are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with safety, quality, and industry standards while providing technical leadership to the Manufacturing Planning team.
Essential Functions:- Lead the development, review, and maintenance of manufacturing routings, bills of material (BOMs), work instructions, and planning data in the ERP/MRP system.
- Translate engineering designs into clear, optimized manufacturing plans, including operation sequences, labor standards, and tooling/fixture requirements.
- Coordinate with Production, Supply Chain, Quality, and Design Engineering to ensure manufacturability, proper material flow, and on time delivery.
- Drive process improvements that reduce cost, improve throughput, and increase first-pass yield, using Lean/continuous improvement tools.
- Provide day-to-day technical support and problem-solving for production issues related to process plans, routings, and methods.
- Support new product introductions (NPI) by creating and validating process plans, participating in DFM/DFA reviews, and supporting pilot builds.
- Develop and maintain capacity and line-balancing analyses to support demand planning and resource utilization.
- Ensure all planning documentation complies with internal standards and external regulatory/industry requirements; support internal and external audits as needed.
- Mentor and guide planners and junior engineers, helping prioritize work, share best practices, and promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
- Prepare and present data, metrics, and recommendations to leadership on process performance, risks, and improvement opportunities.
- Ability to work on-site in a production environment and support occasional off-shift or weekend needs as required.
Qualifications:- Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
Preferred Additional Skills:Hands-on experience creating and maintaining routings, BOMs, and work instructions within an ERP/MRP system.
• Demonstrated experience improving manufacturing processes using Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing methods (e.g., machining, assembly, fabrication, test) and shop floor practices.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and provide technical guidance to peers or junior staff.
• Proficiency with CAD and standard office software (e.g., Excel for data analysis, presentations, and reporting).
• Ability to work on-site in a production environment and support occasional off-shift or weekend needs as required.
• Experience leading or supporting implementation of new systems (e.g., ERP/MRP, MES, PLM) including data validation, user training, and rollout support.
• Prior involvement in establishing or improving engineering and planning standards, templates, and governance for master data.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits (e.g., ISO/AS/IATF/other), including preparation of process documentation and response to findings.
• Background in developing and maintaining process control plans, FMEAs, and other risk-management tools.
• Formal Lean / Six Sigma training or certification (e.g., Green Belt or higher).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver on time in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with digital manufacturing tools (e.g., statistical process control, simulation, or advanced analytics) is a plus.
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