Manufacturing Process Improvement Lead

The Manufacturing Process Improvement Lead reports directly to the General Manager and is responsible for analyzing, optimizing, and enhancing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure product quality. This hands-on role supports continuous improvement initiatives across fabrication operations and collaborates closely with engineering, production, and quality teams.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate and improve existing manufacturing processes using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Lead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and root cause analysis to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.
• Analyze current manufacturing workflow to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Evaluates and recommends capital expenditures.
• Support new product introduction by ensuring robust and scalable manufacturing processes.
• Design and engineer fixtures, tooling, and gauges as required.
• Develop and implement standardized work procedures and best practice across departments.
• Revises process routings for reoccurring and rework job orders, as well as Methods of Manufacture
• Provide technical support to plant operations and maintenance teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure process changes meet safety, quality, and compliance standards.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPI) related to production, quality, cost savings.
• Train and mentor members on continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by Manager.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general reports and procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and material specifications.
• Proficient in the use of current Solid Works software applications. 
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Ability to effectively write business correspondences and generate reports as needed.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to present information accurately and respond to questions from groups of managers, department supervisors and customers regarding engineering quotes, etc.
• Excellent troubleshooting or problem resolution skills.
• Prior cobot and or industrial robot programming
• Excellent computer skills to perform data input and inquiry. (i.e., MS Word, Excel, Adobe, etc.)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering (or related field of study) or 2-year technical certification with equivalent related engineering or sheet metal experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years previous work experience in process improvement.
• Prior sheet metal experience preferred.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher)
• Experience with inspection methods for various tolerance requirements [up to ± .XXXX] preferred.
• Experience with OSP Heat Treatment, Plating, & Grinding/Lapping [and their effects on tolerances] preferred.

Performance Metrics

• Reduction in cycle time and cost of poor quality
• Improvement in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Increase in On Time Delivery (OTD)
• Successful implementation of cost saving initiatives.
• Timely completion of process improvement projects

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk the duration of the shift, 8-10 hours.
• Occasionally required to lift, push, or pull up to 30 lbs.
• Frequently required to sit, stoop, kneel reach or bend.
• Regularly exposed to moving machine parts when in plant.