Principal Industrial Engineer

Job Description

Responsible for conducting analyses of production operations throughout assigned area, including capacity analysis and planning, capability studies, evaluations of the physical attributes of work centers, material flows and routings, planning and scheduling rules, manpower planning processes, planned vs. actual metrics analysis, and evaluation of new manufacturing technologies. This role will communicate with vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding process, procedures, product specifications, manufacturing capabilities, and project status. Work will be appropriate to the position/experience level. Typical tasks include the following:

• Partner with production supervisors/managers, taking overall ownership for the performance of the assigned manufacturing area.
• Develop / maintain standard work processes, standard operating procedures and methods that are based in lean principles (product families, value streams, create flow, create pull etc.).
• Define customer demand targets for processes and production areas, and ensure production meets the targets.
• Develop/maintain value stream maps, process diagrams, calculations, and other documentation.
• Determine the cost drivers for manufacturing processes.
• Define sequence of operations to plan, fabricate and assemble part.
• Perform manufacturing capacity and capability studies and analysis.
• Facilitate meetings to drive actionable outcomes.
• Lead Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEAs) discussions.
• Assume the role & responsibilities of the General Dynamics LEAN council representative. Requires quarterly travel and coordination with other Manufacturing Council members, as well as an annual symposium.
• Ensure that equipment in the plant is capable of making product to specification at the rate to meet customer demand.
• Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine/maintain production standards.
• Analyze material storage and handling facilities and methodologies to enable flow.
• Provide supporting analysis to assist in determination of staffing requirements, labor utilization standards, and recommendations for appropriate staffing plans related to assigned areas.
• Work with Reliability Engineering to define proactive maintenance requirements to maximize equipment availability.
• Lead daily operational trouble shooting and problem solving, achieving best for customer outcomes.
• Develop new production processes as necessary, developing and evaluating operational requirements, analyzing requirements, and developing specifications.
• Lead for transferring new products to Manufacturing in area of responsibility.
• Provide input on manufacturability in the new product development process.
• Drive continuous improvement in area of responsibility, leading front line data collection and analysis activities, and recommending product design for manufacturability (DFM) changes.
• Work with Engineering/Maintenance Manager, Production Manager, and Production supervisors to define desired future state and establish improvement priorities.
• Developing recommendations for capital and non-capital improvements for increasing capability and ensuring guaranteed turn-around times.
• Provide feedback / coaching to associates on how to improve performance to meet customer demand.
• Provide/mentor employees on technical direction, LEAN best practices, and industrial engineering fundamentals.

Required/Preferred Education/Training

• B.S. Degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering; M.S. preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.

Required/Preferred Experience

(10) years of experience working as an industrial/manufacturing engineer in a manufacturing environment required. Unique/Additional Requirements:

• Highly motivated, strong attention to detail, with proven ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to organize, plan, and execute complex projects, including report writing and giving presentations to senior leadership.
• Strong leadership skills (personnel, safety awareness, ethics, and innovation).
• Strong demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work multiple priorities simultaneously, and to completion.
• Experience with Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) or Operational Excellence transformations preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite. Experience with Sharepoint is a plus.
• Ability to work and communicate cross functionally and with all levels of customers inside and outside the Company.
• Strong meeting facilitation and conflict management skills.
• Proven analytical troubleshooting and problem solving techniques, resulting in implemented solutions.
• Experience developing business case and ROI analyses for proposed solutions.
• Experience working with represented employees.
• Available to travel required. On average (5) trips per year.