Job Description

Purpose

Provides technical leadership and operational excellence support to manufacturing, ensuring safe execution of work while meeting engineering, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. Serves as both a subject matter expert in welding and fabrication, industrial processes and can function as a driver of LEAN manufacturing transformation.

Location

Requires daily onsite attendance at manufacturing plant; this is not a remote work position

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities - Standard Work

Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Serve as manufacturing SME for structural welding, fabrication, and integrated production systems
• Partner with design engineering to ensure manufacturability (DFM) and efficient product design
• Lead structured root cause analysis and resolution of production issues
• Review and approve ECO/ECR changes to ensure manufacturing readiness and workflow integrity

Cost & Productivity Improvement

• Lead initiatives to reduce cost, improve labor efficiency, and minimize scrap
• Optimize facility layout and material flow to support scalable, high-efficiency operations
• Support benchmarking and continuous improvement

LEAN Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Support deployment of LEAN principles (6S, Standard Work, Visual Management) across operations
• Drive value stream optimization focused on flow, waste reduction, and SQDC performance

Manufacturing Systems, Tooling & Automation

• Design and implement tooling, jigs, fixtures, and material handling solutions to improve safety and throughput
• Partner with controls and engineering teams on system performance, troubleshooting, and upgrades

Standard Work & Process Control

• Review, update, or create new routers defining process steps, sequence of operations, work instructions, & labor hour estimates
• Develop, implement, and sustain Standard Work across manufacturing operations
• Conduct time studies and maintain accurate routing and process data
• Reinforce process discipline through documentation, control, and continuous improvement

Collaboration & Culture

• Coach and train teams process discipline and problem-solving methodologies
• Partner cross-functionally across engineering, operations, and supply chain
• Reinforce safety, quality, and accountability as foundational priorities

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Qualifications

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in industrial, Manufacturing, Welding Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience with welding & machining
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with:
• AutoCAD and engineering 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks)
• LEAN principles (Standard Work, 6S, Visual Management)
• Proven experience in facility layout, material flow design, and process optimization
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, including weld symbols and GD&T
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
• Ability to read and understand WPS's and PQR's

DESIRED

• Automated material handling systems and industrial equipment integration
• Experience with automated welding
• Formal LEAN / Six Sigma certification
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
• Hands-on experience with AGVs, AMRs, or automated transport systems
• Exposure to MES, data capture, or smart manufacturing systems
• Basic capability in PLC programming, automation logic, or system configuration

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• Ability to drive change and continuous improvement
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Knowledge of welding processes (GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, SAW, etc.)
• Understanding of materials (SST, duplex, aluminum, carbon steel, etc.) and how they are welded
• Understanding of welding codes (AWS, ASME, API, etc.)
• Familiarity with NDT methods (VT, MT, PT, RT, UT, etc.) and how they are used to inspect welds.
• Knowledge of mechanical and metallurgical testing
• Knowledge of appropriate steps to analytical problem solving.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
• Ability to work in a team environment, remaining attentive to ideas, recognizing responsibilities, and actively participating with others to accomplish assignments and achieve desired goals.
• Ability to work across various business functions to ensure timely completion of work.
• Treats others fairly and with respect.
• Knowledge of department's policies, rules, regulations, business goals, vision, organizational structure, culture, philosophy, operating principles, and values, etc.
• Ability to establish and maintain project priorities
• Seeking new learning experiences.

Working Conditions

• This position is considered OFFICE WORK with 50% or more time in manufacturing environments which is characterized as follows.
• Frequently indoors during the day and occasionally at night
• Working situations outdoors on concrete or gravel surfaces
• Occasional exposure to airborne dust in the workplace
• Occasional exposure to high noise levels where hearing protection must be worn
• Gravel Work surfaces can be uneven but is generally stable, care must be taken when on such surfaces
• Situations common inside manufacturing operations including but not limited to; cranes, fork trucks, trip hazards, pinch points, dirt, various chemicals, etc. Proper procedures and PPE to be followed at all times

Physical Activity/Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is considered MEDIUM work.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program.