Industrial Engineer

Optech Enterprise Solutions•Laredo, TX

65d•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for developing, implementing, controlling, and managing the shipping, logistics, and transportation department, including cross-border and Uverse logistics operations. This role incorporates Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery and inventory management, Lean Management principles, and Value Stream Mapping to drive process efficiency and ensure value creation across all activities. The position applies load optimization strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness and maximize space utilization in both Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Full-Truckload (FTL) shipments. The incumbent analyzes shipment data using the Warehouse Management System (WMS), Transportation Management System (TMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to ensure compliance with all corporate standards and customer requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, logistics, transportation, and supply chain management, including cross-border and international logistics operations.
Demonstrated experience managing LTL and FTL shipments, customs brokerage, and import/export compliance.
Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and ERP systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains).
Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 standards.
Experience with OSHA compliance and material handling safety protocols.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma certification or demonstrated knowledge of Lean methodologies, value stream mapping, and Kaizen facilitation.
Experience with U.S.-Mexico cross-border logistics, customs brokerage, and trade compliance.
Familiarity with Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA/CPAR) processes and quality management systems.
Strong data analytics skills using Excel and business intelligence tools.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Experience with freight audit platforms and total landed cost modeling.
Proven track record of successful negotiations with transportation carriers and logistics service providers.

Responsibilities

Oversee and maintain control over departmental work instructions, policies, and procedures. Lead development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with ISO 9001. Collaborate with Materials Management, Operations, Quality, and Finance teams.
Ensure efficient management of material handling and secure storage practices. Maintain compliance with OSHA and ISO 9001, 45001, and 14001 standards. Enforce FIFO inventory management, conduct daily cycle counts, perform internal audits, and coordinate with facility security personnel.
Ensure departmental work instructions, policies, and procedures are consistently followed and aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Update policies to reflect organizational changes through staff training, internal audits, and corrective actions.
Provide regular reports to senior management on import and export cost analysis including KPIs such as Brokerage Cost per Load, customs costs, and On-Time Delivery Performance. Oversee real-time shipment monitoring via TMS and ensure effective communication during critical operations.
Manage cost-effective methods for transporting products via LTL and FTL loads. Conduct transportation optimization analyses, negotiate brokerage contracts, benchmark service providers, and consolidate shipments to reduce freight expenses and improve customs processing times.
Address, resolve, and document customer complaints or incidents promptly using the CAPA process. Utilize root cause analysis techniques (5 Whys, Ishikawa diagrams, Pareto analysis). Prepare reports and documentation for corporate, general, and client management using WMS, TMS, and ERP systems.
Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders including customers, customs brokers, and transportation carriers. Conduct scheduled meetings with customers and participate in cross-functional meetings to promote collaboration and visibility toward strategic initiatives.
Evaluate incidents, complaints, and operational issues including safety concerns, transportation route disruptions, legal matters, and personnel matters using the CPAR Procedure. Collaborate with HR, ESH, and external legal counsel as appropriate.
Initiate and execute programs to optimize operational efficiency and reduce costs using Lean Six Sigma methodologies, value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and continuous feedback loops. Measure success through KPIs and quarterly management reviews using the PDCA methodology.
Oversee the Finished Goods and Shipping Forecast for the Uverse Project. Conduct weekly alignment meetings and daily shipping performance reviews. Lead contingency planning to address potential supply chain disruptions and ensure on-time delivery.
Ensure thorough training of subordinate staff through structured, role-specific programs including onboarding, job shadowing, and refresher training. Measure effectiveness through performance evaluations, post-training assessments, and incident tracking to reinforce a culture of safety and operational excellence.
Work closely with other departments to integrate logistics operations with existing systems using cross-departmental synchronization meetings and tools such as Gantt charts, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint to ensure stakeholder alignment and smooth implementation.
Create and propose improved logistics models to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Conduct supply chain network analysis, develop customized logistics solutions, and assess transportation and service costs through freight audit platforms, comparative rate analysis, and total landed cost modeling including customs, duties, handling, and warehousing.
Collaborate closely with field staff to ensure logistics efficiency measures are effectively implemented through regular facility visits, communication meetings, and open dialogue. Gather feedback through individual and team meetings and analyze operational metrics to identify performance trends and areas for improvement.