EWP Optimizer

Job Description

Time Type:

Role Details:

Time Type: Full Time

Starting Pay: $25 / HR

Job Location: 4304 State Hwy 29 East, Burnet, TX 78611

Job Summary:

The Wood Products Cutting Optimizer is responsible for maximizing the efficiency of cutting operations for engineered wood products, such as LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and Wood I-Joists, in the distribution facility. This role focuses on optimizing the cutting process from longer pieces to shorter dimensions while minimizing waste (drops) and ensuring product quality. The optimizer will utilize advanced optimization software, data analytics, and best practices in cutting operations to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and support inventory management.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements optimization strategies for cutting engineered wood products to ensure that cuts are made efficiently and with minimal waste. Utilizes software tools to analyze cutting patterns and configurations.
• Employs specialized cutting optimization software (e.g., iStruct) to create optimized cutting plans that maximize material yield from longer pieces while minimizing leftover drops.
• Analyzes production data and cutting metrics to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Uses data-driven insights to refine cutting processes and improves overall operational efficiency.
• Works closely with production and warehouse teams to understand operational constraints, material properties, and quality requirements. Ensures that cutting processes align with production schedules and inventory management practices.
• Creates and maintains cutting plans that take into account store and strategic accounts orders, available stock, and production capabilities. Adjusts plans as needed based on real-time data and demand fluctuations.
• Develops detailed cutting algorithms that determine the best cutting patterns for different types of engineered wood, involving using software to simulate various scenarios based on available materials and store requirements.
• Creates cutting schedules that prioritize orders based on delivery timelines and stock availability, thereby ensuring that production aligns with demand.
• Uses specific software solutions designed for the wood industry, which can provide advanced analytics for yield optimization.
• Continuously evaluates and potentially upgrades cutting software tools based on feedback and emerging technologies in the industry.
• Monitors cutting operations to ensure products meet quality standards and specifications. Implements quality assurance measures to minimize defects related to cutting operations.
• Applies Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance cutting operations, reduce waste, and improve process efficiency. Leads initiatives aimed at continuous improvement in cutting practices.
• Ensures that all cutting operations comply with safety regulations and best practices to maintain a safe working environment.
• Inspects inventory to make sure the correct recommended cuts are made.
• Communicates with merchandise services when cuts are completed to administer conversions.
• Manages the order flow process received from the stores and strategic accounts.
• Communicates and coordinates with freight and logistics team after cuts complete and orders have been pulled.
• Coordinates with various departments to ensure efficient order processing, inventory management, and timely delivery of products.
• Inspects product prior to delivery to make sure it has been cut and picked correctly from orders received from the stores and strategic accounts.
• Performs quality checks on picked items to confirm they meet customer specifications and free of defects.
• Generates picking lists and coordinates with warehouse staff to ensure accurate and efficient picking and cutting of orders.
• Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cutting processes, such as yield percentage, waste rates, and turnaround times, to assess the effectiveness of current operations.
• Works with the EWP teams to analyze defects or issues arising from the cutting process, developing corrective actions and preventive measures to minimize recurrence.
• Communicates between multiple departments to ensure on time delivery.
• Develops and implements optimization strategies for cutting engineered wood products to ensure that cuts are made efficiently and with minimal waste. Utilizes software tools to analyze cutting patterns and configurations.
• Employs specialized cutting optimization software.
• Stays current on optimization software and assist in optimizing as needed.
• Utilizes software tools such as iStruct or similar to create cutting plans and analyze material usage.
• Analyzes cutting performance metrics and identify improvement opportunities.
• Integrates cutting optimization with MES for real-time tracking of cutting operations and inventory management.
• Oversees yard inventory including yard layout and organization of product. Oversees the unloading of incoming product and proper storage of product. Checks tickets to ensure accuracy.
• Conducts accurate cycle and security counts on stock products and compares results to system data and makes adjustments based on established policies and management approvals.
• Compiles and reviews data for order fulfillment from sources such as purchase orders, invoices, requisition, and accounting reports to determine compliance with company control and audit systems.
• Assists management in maintaining and ensuring compliance with control and audit systems that result in a safe, productive and profitable operation.
• Assists management in monitoring inventory of merchandise. Manages merchandise levels by ensuring that the proper ordering, receiving, pricing and merchandising procedures are followed.
• Prepares requisitions, orders, or other documents for purchasing or requisitions new or additional stock items.
• Provides management with reports regarding the facility as needed.
• Assists company customers in the store, over the phone, or through other means of communication with product questions and purchases.
• Makes recommendations to management to improve productivity, reduce losses, maximize equipment performance, and improve quality of service for the facility.
• Attends and participates in meetings and company-sponsored training programs as required
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Must be able to visit job sites, retail stores, Headquarters facility, and/or other locations as needed.
• Must be able to obtain a forklift certification.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. 
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Utilize company point-of-sale system (MAC21), Microsoft Word & Excel, and other 3rd party software applications at a basic level.
• Ability to solve and define practical problems in various situations to reach a valid conclusion.
• Ability to effectively use judgment while reviewing and conducting projects and estimations.
• Effectively determine and interpret architectural design strategies.
• Ability to travel occasionally with overnight stays and be available/willing to work overtime per day or per week as the employer determines is necessary or desirable to meet business needs.
• Must be available and willing to work such weekends and holidays as the employer determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.
• Must have a current driver’s license and auto liability insurance.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree; and one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods of walking and working on feet, using tools, and performing repetitive actions that entail frequent bending and stooping.
• Must be able to use the three-point hold when getting into trucks and/or forklifts.
• Must be able to lift up to 80 pounds at times, occasionally lift/move up to 100 pounds, and push and/or pull 50-pound loads at a time.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, and outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to work in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.