Senior Industrial Engineer & Special Projects

Walter Surface Technologies$75K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or related field.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in Industrial Engineering or Lean Manufacturing.
  • Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and operational metrics.
  • Experience in supporting manufacturing automation or material handling systems.
  • Proven track record in implementing process improvements and Lean initiatives.
  • Experience in writing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Preferably familiar with Microsoft D365.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze and improve material flow and production processes.
  • Develop strategies for routings and manufacturing parameters.
  • Support production planning through system configuration.
  • Identify improvements for throughput and operational efficiency.
  • Coordinate new product introductions for manufacturability.
  • Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Oversee assigned operational special projects and track progress.

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Collaborative work environment across various teams.
  • Hands-on involvement in significant process improvement projects.
  • Exposure to multiple operational functions in manufacturing.
Full Job Description
Reports To: Director of Operations

Position Summary

The Senior Industrial Engineer & Special Projects is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, production integration, manufacturing systems, and operational efficiency across the facility. This hands-on role partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Product Management, Sales, and R&D to optimize material flow, manufacturing performance, and new product integration.

This position also serves as the operational lead for assigned special projects ensuring project milestones, cross-functional coordination, and successful implementation. The role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that support safe, efficient, and standardized manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Industrial Engineering & Manufacturing Systems
  • Analyze and improve material flow, production processes, and manufacturing system performance.
  • Develop strategy and alignment including routings, work centers, Bills of Material (BOMs), and manufacturing parameters to engineering for implementation.
  • Support production planning and manufacturing execution through accurate system configuration and process improvements.
  • Identify and implement improvements that increase throughput, reduce waste, improve inventory performance, and enhance operational efficiency.

Production Integration & Process Engineering
  • Coordinate new product introductions, private label programs, and product lifecycle changes from an operational perspective.
  • Partner with Engineering, Product Management, R&D, Sales, and Operations to ensure manufacturability and operational readiness.
  • Review BOMs, routings, packaging specifications, and manufacturing documentation for lean alignment.
  • Evaluate manufacturing processes for feasibility, efficiency, quality, and cost improvements.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
  • Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven methodologies.
  • Analyze production metrics to identify improvement opportunities related to safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
  • Support equipment optimization, workflow improvements, and process standardization throughout manufacturing and warehouse operations.
  • Participate in Kaizen events and operational improvement projects.

Special Projects
  • Coordinate and oversee assigned operational special projects from planning through implementation.
  • Collaborate with internal departments and external suppliers to ensure projects remain on schedule and achieve operational objectives.
  • Track project milestones, risks, action items, and implementation progress.
  • Provide regular status updates and recommendations to Operations leadership.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Develop, document, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for manufacturing, warehouse, and operational processes.
  • Ensure procedures are standardized, current, and aligned with quality, safety, and operational requirements.
  • Work with department stakeholders to identify process gaps and implement standardized work instructions.
  • Support training and adoption of new or revised procedures.

Manufacturing Automation & Innovation
  • Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes through automation and technology.
  • Support implementation of automation initiatives for production, packaging, and material handling systems.
  • Work with Engineering and Operations to evaluate equipment performance and recommend process improvements.

Required Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Manufacturing Systems.
  • Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems, BOMs, routings, production control, manufacturing processes, and operational metrics.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing automation, production, packaging, or material handling systems.
  • Demonstrated success implementing process improvements and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
  • Experience writing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Experience managing or coordinating cross-functional operational projects preferred.
  • Microsoft D365 experience preferred.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout employment. Sponsorship is not available.

Preffered Attributes
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent organizational and project coordination abilities.
  • Effective communication skills across technical and operational teams.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
  • Hands-on approach to process improvement and operational excellence.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing data analysis tools.

About Walter Surface Technologies

Walter Surface Technologies is a manufacturer of surface treatment products for industrial applications. The company's products include abrasives, cutting tools, and welding solutions, as well as environmental solutions for the safe disposal of hazardous materials. Walter Surface Technologies was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Windsor, CT.
Learn more about Walter Surface Technologies
Size
500 employees
Industry

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