Principal Material Flow Engineer - Automation

The Principal Material Flow Engineer - Automation will be a member of the Central Materials team. The position will optimize space, transportation, equipment, and conveyance within the manufacturing and inbound warehouses. You will be responsible for supporting the Central Materials team in developing automated material flow processes and systems and provide creative and forward thinking to the material flow process including supply base capabilities, material handling and material control systems. Position Principal Material Flow Engineer - Automation Location USA, Louisville, KY How You'll Create Possibilities Role Responsibilities: • Support the Central Materials team in developing lean material flow processes and systems utilizing automation for material flow. • Integrate automation with material replenishment systems. • Drive implementation of automation projects at all manufacturing sites including project management and training. • Lead other material flow engineers in meeting timelines and project objectives. • Ability to develop, launch and validate projects focused on material automation at multiple sites simultaneously. • Manage budget for automation for the Central Materials team. • Provide creative and forward thinking to the material flow process including supply base capabilities, material handling and material control systems. • Evaluate processes in all areas of material handling and optimize that process before implementing automation. • Analyze economic factors when developing alternatives to propose a maximized solution and optimize total cost. • Work with selected suppliers to ensure project schedules are met and within the defined budget while meeting all success factors. • Continually research new technology solutions to improve the supply chain. • Ensure all equipment executed in GEA factories comply with Industry andGovernmental Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) standards. • Utilize Human Organizational Performance (HOP) principles to ensure that all equipment / tooling / processes are implemented with the healthand safety of the operators in mind. • Work with functional leaders to ensure equipment & processes support business initiatives of Bill of Process (BoP), Lean Manufacturing, Ergonomic Design and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). • Partner with manufacturing and warehouse operations and Lean teams to understand the Value Stream and how your projects impact this. Ensure material flow, workstation setup, model mix, etc. are considered when workstations / equipment is designed. • Develop a strong working relationship with Material Management leadership at all facilities supported. • Work cross functionally to eliminate waste in the supply chain including the integration of material automation with manufacturing processes. • Deliver guidance, and training for cross-functional team members about material flow automation. Provide documentation and training to maintenance and shop floor personnel. • Utilize technical and project experience to add to the APS (Appliance Production System) and CM teams' body of knowledge to drive continuous improvement throughout the organization and company. What You'll Bring to Our Team Requirements and Qualifications: • Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or related discipline • 7+ years of hands-on experience with distribution, logistics or supply chain including experience in Lean Supply Chain production method. • Mobile automation experience in a manufacturing environment • Knowledge of manufacturing and warehouse operations. • Excellent project tracking and detailed planning skills required • Ability to work in large cross-functional teams and at multiple levels in the organization (both salaried and shop floor operators / skilled trades team members) • Good oral and written communication skills - will be expected to provide status report outs to cross-functional team and train other engineers. • Demonstrated ability to take ownership of cross-functional program deliverables and ability to drive decisions based on the overall benefit to the company• Computer literate and skilled in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, and Outlook