Manufacturing Engineer

A.O. Smith - Johnson City, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Johnson City, TN

10,001+ employees

Machinery Manufacturing

About the position

As the Manufacturing Engineer at A. O. Smith Corporation, you will play a crucial role in coordinating improvements and changes to manufacturing processes and procedures within the industrial plant. Your primary responsibility will be to establish the best methods of work, ensuring that all manufacturing processes are efficient and effective. You will be tasked with constantly evaluating the production processes to identify areas for improvement, which may include implementing new technologies and methodologies to enhance manufacturing efficiencies, productivity, and product quality. In this role, you will develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods by utilizing data collection and analytical analysis, drawing from your experience to make informed decisions. You will also be responsible for developing capital cost justifications for new product tooling and equipment, as well as cost-saving initiatives. Your analytical skills will be put to the test as you analyze and plan workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow, designing layouts of equipment and workspace to maximize efficiency. As a member of the Product Development System (PDS) team, you will ensure that design for manufacturability (DFM) principles are adhered to, and that tooling and equipment needs are met to facilitate successful product launches. You will confer with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for the purchase of necessary equipment, materials, or parts, while evaluating products according to established specifications and quality standards. Additionally, you will estimate production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide valuable information for management decisions. Collaboration will be key in this role, as you will work closely with management, engineering, and other staff to facilitate production processes. You will also implement Lean Manufacturing principles, such as Continuous Improvement and KanBan, and promote a culture of quality and efficiency within the team. Your ability to troubleshoot problems in collaboration with maintenance personnel will be essential for ensuring smooth operations.

Responsibilities

• Apply sound ergonomic and safety practices in all functions of manufacturing process, equipment and facilities.
• Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods using data collection, analytical analysis and experience.
• Evaluate New Technologies and Processes in support of improving Manufacturing Efficiencies, Productivity, Cost Savings and/or Product Quality.
• Develop Capital Cost Justification for New Product Tooling, Equipment, Cost Savings Initiatives, etc.
• Analyze and plan work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and design layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
• Product Development System (PDS) Team Member ensuring Design for Manufacturability (DFM), tooling and equipment needs are met to ensure efficient manufacturing processes and successful product launch.
• Confer with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluates products according to specifications and quality standards.
• Estimate production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions.
• Confer with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes.
• Understand and implement Lean Manufacturing Principles such as Continuous Improvement, Blitzes, KanBan, Line Balancing, TPM, Takt Time, etc.
• Work closely in a team environment with engineers, supervisors and manufacturing personnel and promote company principles such as Quality and Lean Manufacturing.
• Work closely with maintenance personnel in troubleshooting problems as needed and equipment installation and set-up.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• Minimum 3 years of related work experience or training
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and other Continuous Improvement Methodologies
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
• Write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry
• Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits plans including medical and dental insurance
• Company-sponsored life insurance
• Retirement security savings plan
• Short- and long-term disability programs
• Tuition assistance