Manufacturing Engineer - Entry Level, Continuous Improvement

About the position

Under the direction of the Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer, 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. Correspondingly, the incumbent coordinates and leads a wide range of activities that are designed to improve on-time delivery, productivity, quality, cost, safety, and environmental performance. This position does not directly supervise other personnel. Additionally, this position supports Operations Supervisors, Area Leads, and Plant Managers. This position is located in Hampton, Virginia.

Responsibilities

• Work out of the Hampton, VA 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.
• Complete time studies in various processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Perform shopfloor observations, working with Manufacturing employees to document current and target conditions.
• Eliminate non-value added activities while working on scrap reduction activities.
• Participate in the Howmet Business System implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and drive waste reductions utilizing Lean principles.
• Coordinate with resource departments within the assigned locations 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 both internal and external consultants, customers, and suppliers.
• Provide support to sustain all follow-throughs required to sustain the improvements initiated during those events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exhibit initiative and a high level of energy.
• Willingness to spend time on the manufacturing shopfloor to learn and interact with employees.
• Exhibit teamwork and a go-getting attitude.
• Good analytical/statistical problem-solving skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Ability to lawfully obtain access to export-controlled items.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Math, Science, Continuous Improvement, or Supply Chain Management, specifically a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering.
• Exceptional Excel Spreadsheet creation, macros, and related data analysis skills.