Manufacturing Engineer - Continuous Improvement

Howmet Aerospace - Wichita Falls, TX

Full-time

Wichita Falls, TX

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

Under the direction of the Senior Manager for Continuous Improvement, this position is responsible for supporting and assisting 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 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 other personnel but supports Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers. Key objectives include participating in the Howmet Business System implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and driving 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, and Root Cause Problem Solving. The role requires working out of the Wichita Falls, TX site as part of a team to reduce executional scrap and creating a system following ‘step by step' procedures for the loading and unloading of large volume processing equipment. The incumbent will coordinate with resource departments within the assigned locations to fabricate, install, and implement improvements to drive waste down and increase efficiency and output. They will develop Value Stream maps of key processes and product flows, define the current condition of the facility(ies) to identify opportunities, and create a target condition with action plans to improve operational and financial results. Additionally, the role involves completing value stream mapping, identifying opportunities, and leading shop floor manufacturing efforts in process reengineering and process improvements in various plants. Facilitating successful kaizen, problem solving, and rapid improvement process events with both internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers is also a key responsibility. This includes providing support to sustain all follow-throughs required to maintain the improvements initiated during those events, especially those concentrated on local improvement. The incumbent will also perform other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the Howmet Business System implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and drive waste reductions utilizing Lean principles.
• Work out of the Wichita Falls, TX site as part of a team to reduce executional scrap.
• Create a system following ‘step by step' procedures for the loading and unloading of large volume processing equipment.
• Coordinate with resource departments within the assigned locations to fabricate, install, and implement improvements to drive waste down and increase efficiency and output.
• Develop Value Stream maps of key processes and product flows, defining the current condition of the facility(ies) to identify opportunities and create a target condition with action plans.
• Complete value stream mapping, identify opportunities, and lead shop floor manufacturing efforts in process reengineering and process improvements in various plants.
• Facilitate successful kaizen, problem solving, and rapid improvement process events with both internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers.
• Provide support to sustain all follow-throughs required to sustain the improvements initiated during those events.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience in manufacturing environments in areas such as Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, or Operational Excellence.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Continuous Improvement, or Supply Chain Management.
• Knowledge and understanding of Continuous Process Improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, exhibiting initiative and a high level of energy.
• Willingness to spend time on the manufacturing shop floor to learn and interact with employees.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive change.
• Good analytical/statistical problem-solving skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering is preferred.
• Exceptional Excel Spreadsheet creation, macros, and related data analysis skills.
• Three or more years of related experience highly desired.

Benefits

• Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.