Manufacturing Engineer - Continuous Improvement

Howmet Aerospace • Whitehall, MI

2d

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer – Continuous Improvement supports the Continuous Improvement Organization across the business unit and manufacturing plants. Under the direction of the VP and Manager of Continuous Improvement, the role provides on-the-ground support for organizing, planning, implementing, and following through on manufacturing improvement initiatives. The position coordinates and leads activities intended to improve on-time delivery, productivity, quality, cost, safety, and environmental performance. It does not directly supervise personnel and supports Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers. The position is based in Whitehall, Michigan.

The engineer participates in implementing the Howmet Business System and applies Lean principles to reduce waste and improve manufacturing performance. The role develops value stream maps, assesses current facility conditions, identifies improvement opportunities, defines target conditions, and creates action plans to improve operational and financial results. It also coordinates with resource departments to fabricate, install, and implement improvements; leads shop-floor process reengineering and improvement efforts across plants; and facilitates kaizen, problem-solving, and rapid-improvement events, including follow-through to sustain improvements.

A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and at least three years of manufacturing-environment experience are required. Candidates must understand continuous process improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma and have working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified at hire, visa sponsorship is unavailable, and employment is conditioned on the ability to lawfully obtain access to export-controlled items.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• At least three years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of continuous process improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing improvement techniques, including flow principles, Kanban, and plan for every part (PFEP).
• Expertise in value stream mapping and associated improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of Toyota Production System pillars, including JIT and Autonomation.
• Experience evaluating takt time versus cycle time and identifying work-area constraints, including cycle-time, periodic-work, and downtime constraints.
• Shop-floor experience working with employees to enhance manufacturing processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions.
• Demonstrated project leadership and project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet objectives and key deadlines.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire.
• Must be able to lawfully obtain access to export-controlled items; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
• Exceptional Excel spreadsheet creation, macro, and related data-analysis skills.
• Three or more years of related experience in a manufacturing environment is highly desired.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, initiative, and a high level of energy.
• Willingness to spend time on the manufacturing shop floor to learn and interact with employees.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive change.
• Teamwork and a go-getting attitude.
• Good analytical and statistical problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Participate in implementing the Howmet Business System’s continuous improvement initiatives and reduce waste using Lean principles, including JIT, Autonomation, value stream mapping, Kaizen, 5S, standard work, line and cell design, single-piece flow, material flow, visual management, SMED, TPM, and root-cause problem solving.
• Coordinate with resource departments at assigned locations to fabricate, install, and implement improvements that reduce waste and increase efficiency and output.
• Develop value stream maps of key processes and product flows.
• Define current facility conditions, identify opportunities, establish target conditions, and develop action plans to improve operational and financial results.
• Complete value stream mapping, identify opportunities, and lead shop-floor manufacturing efforts in process reengineering and process improvements across plants.
• Facilitate kaizen, problem-solving, and rapid-improvement events with internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers.
• Support follow-through needed to sustain improvements initiated during improvement events, particularly local improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level