Continuous Improvement - Manufacturing Engineer - Whitehall, MI

Job Description

Job Description

Under the direction of the VP of Continuous Improvement, this position is responsible for supporting the Continuous Improvement Organization (Business Unit and Manufacturing Plants) as “boots on the ground” in the organization, planning, implementation, and follow-through of manufacturing improvement initiatives. The incumbent will focus on analyzing production flow and output, reducing cycle times, and identifying/removing bottlenecks that limit performance. In addition, this role will review financial data to identify where dollars are not flowing through the department and use that information to drive action.

Correspondingly, the incumbent coordinates and leads a wide range of activities designed to improve on-time delivery, productivity, quality, cost, safety, and environmental performance. This position does not directly supervise personnel but supports Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers.

Key Objectives

• Complete detailed shop floor observations to assess current processes and understand how work is being performed.
• Partner with operations and operators to analyze flow output and identify process bottlenecks that limit efficiency and throughput.
• Collaborate with teams to implement changes that improve cycle times and enhance overall operational performance.
• Utilize financial data to identify the constraint, and areas where performance gaps impact earnings and target shopfloor operational improvements accordingly.
• Travel to various locations as necessary to participate in the Howmet Business System implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and drive waste reductions utilizing Lean principles (JIT, Autonomation, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Single Piece Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.).
• Develop value stream maps of key processes and product flows, identifying opportunities to eliminate constraints and create target conditions with action plans that improve both operational and financial results.
• Facilitate kaizen, problem solving, and rapid improvement events with both internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers, including sustaining all follow-throughs required to maintain improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Dimensions

The incumbent will possess:

• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing improvement techniques, including flow principles, Kanban, and PFEP.
• Expertise in value stream mapping and associated improvement methodologies.
• Ability to evaluate TAKT time vs. cycle time, determine work area constraints, and identify bottlenecks.
• Experience using financial and operational data together to identify improvement opportunities.
• Experience on the shop floor, working with employees, and enhancing manufacturing processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to resolve conflicts and obtain cooperation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: able to use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions.
• Demonstrated project leadership and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Basic Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in manufacturing environment, Operational excellence, knowledge of Continuous process improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution
• Willingness to spend time on the manufacturing shop floor to learn and interact with employees.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• U.S. person status (required under ITAR).

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional Excel skills (spreadsheet creation, macros, and data analysis).
• Three or more years of related experience.
• Bachelor's in industrial engineering

Travel
Expected travel to various locations is estimated at less than 10% and based on project needs

Company DescriptionHowmet Aerospace, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company’s primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems and titanium structural parts necessary for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. Howmet Aerospace is transforming the next phase of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, visit www.howmet.com/joinus