Manufacturing Engineer - Entry Level, Continuous Improvement

Manufacturing Engineer - Entry Level, Continuous Improvement

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer, this position supports and assists the Continuous Improvement Organization as "boots on the ground" in planning, implementation, and follow-through of manufacturing improvement initiatives. It coordinates and leads activities designed to improve on-time delivery, productivity, quality, cost, safety, and environmental performance. This position does not directly supervise other personnel and supports Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers.

Key Objectives

• Work out of the Whitehall, MI site as part of a team to reduce executional scrap.
• Create a system following "step by step" procedures for loading and unloading of large-volume processing equipment.
• Complete time studies in various processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Perform shopfloor observations, documenting current and target conditions; eliminate non-value-added activities while working on scrap reduction activities.
• Participate in Howmet Business System implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and drive waste reductions utilizing Lean principles such as 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.
• Coordinate with resource departments to fabricate, install, and implement improvements to drive waste down and increase efficiency and output.
• Collaborate in Kaizen activities, problem solving, and rapid improvement process events with internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers; support sustainment of improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Dimensions

• Willingness to work with shopfloor employees, interview, and document current conditions.
• Strong interpersonal skills requiring the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, initiative, and high energy.
• Willingness to spend time on the manufacturing shopfloor interacting with employees.
• Teamwork and go-getting attitude.
• Good analytical/statistical problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to work 2nd or 3rd shift.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship not available.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering.
• Exceptional Excel spreadsheet creation, macros, and data analysis skills.

Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.