Process Engineer – Manufacturing Layout & Project Lead

Acoufelt•Auburn Hills, MI

14h

About The Position

We are seeking a driven Process Engineer to lead the development and execution of our manufacturing layout and operational scaling initiatives. This role will define requirements and concepts for factory floor plans, machine placement, work cell design, and material flow, while partnering with external contractors to complete detailed designs. In addition to technical input, this individual will serve as the internal project manager and champion—owning alignment, driving execution, and ensuring successful implementation across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
3-5 years of experience in manufacturing/process engineering or operations.
Experience working with external vendors, contractors, or engineering firms.
Demonstrated project management experience, preferably in facility or process-related projects.
Strong understanding of manufacturing layout design, material flow, and Lean principles.
Proficiency with CAD or ability to review and interpret technical drawings.
Strong ownership mindset with the ability to drive projects end-to-end.
Excellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills.
Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
Comfortable influencing without direct authority.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading facility expansions, relocations, or major layout redesigns.
Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies.
Experience scaling manufacturing operations.
Knowledge of data visualization and process mapping tools.

Responsibilities

Layout Strategy & Design Leadership
Define requirements and high-level concepts for manufacturing floor plans, machine placement, and work cell layouts.
Collaborate with external engineering and design contractors to develop detailed layouts and technical drawings.
Review, challenge, and approve contractor deliverables to ensure alignment with operational goals.
Ensure layouts are scalable, efficient, and aligned with long-term business growth.
Project Management & Execution
Serve as the internal project manager for facility layout and process improvement initiatives.
Develop project timelines, milestones, and deliverables in coordination with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Drive cross-functional alignment across operations, production, leadership, and contractors.
Track progress, manage risks, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.
Process Improvement & Optimization
Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and workflow.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles and structured problem-solving.
Implement standardized processes and best practices across production areas.
Data Analysis & Visualization
Develop and use tools such as heat maps, spaghetti diagrams, and flow analysis to evaluate current and future state layouts.
Use data to inform layout decisions, reduce material movement, and improve overall productivity.
Material Flow & Handling
Define and optimize material storage strategies and material handling systems.
Improve flow from receiving through production to shipping with a focus on minimizing waste and movement.
Organizational Leadership & Change Management
Act as the internal champion for layout and process transformation initiatives.
Communicate project vision, progress, and outcomes to stakeholders at all levels.
Drive adoption of new layouts, processes, and systems within the organization.