Continuous Improvement Engineer

at  ValMatic Valve MFG Corp

SUMMARY

Plans, directs, coordinates and improves manufacturing processes by applying lean manufacturing techniques to increase efficiencies and reduce lead times. Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Develops, evaluates, and improves manufacturing methods and processes. Note: Methods and processes include manual machinery, CNC machinery, assembly, product testing, powder paint, wet paint, material storage and handling, shipping and receiving, plant and office processes and procedures.
• Works with all levels of the organization to question the status quo and challenges the establishment to continually make meaningful improvements.
• Responsible for coaching and training employees in new processes and manufacturing methods.
• Drives the standardization of processes and the implementation of metrics and best practices.
• Uses lean manufacturing and quality tools such as 6S, KPI, SMED, VSM, Kaizen, SPC, Pareto analysis, and the Theory of Constraints in evaluating and implementing process improvements.
• Analyze and plan work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
• Assists and supports plant and facility maintenance and modernization.
• Utilizes engineering resources to provide proficient process routings, machine programs, tooling, tool design, and operation of engineering systems.
• Programs CNC equipment and robotic welders, and specifies both fixtures and tools to be used on those machines in the manufacturing process.
• Supports new product development to ensure manufacturability, cost, and quality from design concept to production release.
• Confers with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluates products according to specifications and quality standards.
• Performs engineering work related to planning, devising or adapting methods to improve manufacturing processes, estimates production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.
• Establishes training documentation regarding technical processes and systems, including robotics and man-machine interface.
• Applies analytical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are typical of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor’s degree (B. S.) from an accredited college or university in manufacturing technology or engineering; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five years of manufacturing experience, practical knowledge in PTC Creo solid model design and Mastercam machining and cnc programming processes, along with five axis cnc programming skills and experience in post processor use and development. Familiar with AutoCad or other 2D design packages.
Proficient in tool and fixture design for manual and cnc machining, welding, and assembly, including design improvements for automation.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Experience and skill in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project. Expert level knowledge of business software (MRP based systems such as MAPICS). Able to use the internet to perform detailed research.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to be on feet up to 8-12 hours per shift
• Use of hands and fingers to perform job function
• Ability to stoop, kneel, bend and climb
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs

RESPONSIBILITIES

• To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Mentor – Acts as a manufacturing engineering mentor for the other employees in the department and assists in developing their skills. Helps motivate less experienced engineers.
• Design - Generates creative solutions; translates concepts and information into images; applies design principles.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; creates unique and inventive solutions for difficult applications. Takes the initiative to actively and aggressively solve problems.
• Project Management - Coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget.
• Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments, and makes customer satisfaction a priority.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Listens to others without interrupting; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Change Management - Develops original and workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively.
• Leadership - Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; accepts feedback from others. Intentionally directs other engineers and coworkers in a positive direction and displays a desire to take a more formal leadership position.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks
• correctly and on time; Supports organization’s goals and values.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Analyzes market and competition; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives. Demonstrates an ability to think and plan using a long-term perspective to achieve strategic personal and company goals.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote
• quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time and fully prepared for the topic to be discussed.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions.
• Initiative - Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others’ attention. Generates exceptional solutions on a regular basis and goes to extraordinary measures to ensure they are successfully implemented.

Plans, directs, coordinates and improves manufacturing processes by applying lean manufacturing techniques to increase efficiencies and reduce lead times. Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Develops, evaluates, and improves manufacturing methods and processes. Note: Methods and processes include manual machinery, CNC machinery, assembly, product testing, powder paint, wet paint, material storage and handling, shipping and receiving, plant and office processes and procedures.
• Works with all levels of the organization to question the status quo and challenges the establishment to continually make meaningful improvements.
• Responsible for coaching and training employees in new processes and manufacturing methods.
• Drives the standardization of processes and the implementation of metrics and best practices.
• Uses lean manufacturing and quality tools such as 6S, KPI, SMED, VSM, Kaizen, SPC, Pareto analysis, and the Theory of Constraints in evaluating and implementing process improvements.
• Analyze and plan work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
• Assists and supports plant and facility maintenance and modernization.
• Utilizes engineering resources to provide proficient process routings, machine programs, tooling, tool design, and operation of engineering systems.
• Programs CNC equipment and robotic welders, and specifies both fixtures and tools to be used on those machines in the manufacturing process.
• Supports new product development to ensure manufacturability, cost, and quality from design concept to production release.
• Confers with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluates products according to specifications and quality standards.
• Performs engineering work related to planning, devising or adapting methods to improve manufacturing processes, estimates production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.
• Establishes training documentation regarding technical processes and systems, including robotics and man-machine interface.
• Applies analytical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential