Job Description

Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Industrial and Manufacturing Engineer (IME) is responsible to support Panel Plant operations in meeting process and product requirements for assuring customer satisfaction while minimizing Falldown and Waste. This position is responsible for the improvement of States quality performance, reduction of material waste and improvements to labor utilization through effective assessment, prioritization, determination of corrective action path and implementation of corrective actions.  The successful candidate will be a self-motivated individual with the ability to assess manufacturing processes, identify areas of weakness and opportunities for improvement, and provide innovative solutions to achieve cost savings and process optimization. Working with the Plant Manager and Operations staff, as well as Maintenance, QA and Engineering personnel, the IME will be a leader and integral part of Panel Plant improvement activities. The position will help direct and support Lean Manufacturing and Work Team activities in the plant. The position will assist in creating/maintaining process specifications, standards, practices and auditing methods to assure quality, efficiency, and sound financial performance.  The position will identify, evaluate, justify and manage Capital Projects resulting in operational improvement and cost savings. This position will support operations in meeting goals and targets – while interfacing with a variety of internal and external people/teams. Reporting to the Quality and Engineering Manager, the position will have accountability for operating issues including technical direction and support to manufacturing personnel. The ideal candidate would be experienced in wood products and possess strong multi-project management capability combined with broad technical knowledge and good people skills. We are looking for a person who believes in growth through teamwork, Lean thinking, customer focus, continuous improvement, and a strong will to win.                                                                                          

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Construct, support and/or maintain effective operating procedures, process specifications and policies, and operating guidelines to support process standardization and training (e.g. practices/outcomes, work center expertise and minimization of process variation).
• Focus on identification of causes of Falldown and Material Waste and generate substantial reductions through implementation of corrective actions (training/process/equipment/materials, etc.).
• Lead and/or provide support in product and process development efforts. 
• Support employee work teams and leaders with guidance & expertise in project management, statistical analysis, problem solving, data collection, and Lean/continuous improvement. 
• Work with other QA/Engineering staff, Operations staff, Maintenance team and all levels of the Plant Operations staff to successfully accomplish projects.  Provide leadership and support to projects as necessary.
• Assess manufacturing processes, identify areas of weakness and opportunities for improvement, and provide innovative solutions to achieve cost savings and process optimization.  Recommend corrective actions, controls, equipment and projects based on those assessments, which lead directly to P&L Improvement.    
• Identify opportunities and provide process/equipment evaluation, justification and project management for Capital Improvement projects tied to States strategic objectives.
• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement, problem solving and customer development projects.
• Direct and support Panel Operations in Lean Manufacturing and Work Team activities, including realization of strategic tactics, project facilitation/leadership/support, and employee training and development. 
• Assist in development and maintenance of workplace metrics to support plant improvement and waste reduction activities.
• Participate in Cause & Corrective Action process that addresses identified internal and external problem issues, determines root causes, and eliminates them from the operating system. 
• Provide Applications and Formaldehyde lab oversight, ensuring equipment is functional, calibrated and in good working order.  Perform testing as required. Develop expertise and provide training as required. 

Qualifications

NECESSARY SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to be an innovative problem solver and critical thinker – utilizing problem solving and process improvement methods on an individual and team basis.
• Demonstrated project management skills from recognizing issues and proposing solutions, to providing solutions and justifications, to successful execution/implementation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills (including communication of information, building & achieving agreement and support, establishing specifications and procedures). 
• Capability to relate well to operating and managing personnel in a team-based environment.
• Advanced computer skills including working knowledge of SQL, Excel, statistical analysis software, CAD Drawing, Word, Outlook, JIRA/Confluence, etc.
• Ability to independently identify opportunities for improvement and propose projects to achieve improvement with minimal direction.
• Ability to analyze and prioritize basic and complex data/information – including selection and use of appropriate statistical tools.
• Basic understanding of quality concepts, improvement methods, and metrics.
• Strong working knowledge and application of Lean Manufacturing methods. 
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks and projects to completion while balancing competing priorities - and also creating a standardized framework for others to follow.
• Perform basic cost/financial analysis for evaluating proposals and valuing improvements.       
• Manage cross-functional projects to successful completion.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement of company and self.
• Growth capability in leadership of individuals and teams.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Working knowledge of Process Control methods/techniques
• Experience with equipment automation and controls.
• Familiar with machining, assembly and process operations/industries.
• Knowledge of hardwood plywood manufacturing processes.
• Successful experience in self-motivation and management without continual direct local supervision is desired. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Engineering degree from an accredited college or university, with focus on Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical engineering and/or Wood Science. 
• A strong background and interest in wood properties, characteristics, processing, and utilization.
• Minimum 3-5 years working experience in an industrial manufacturing environment, preferably wood products, is required.
• Career goals should include management of people and processes within a manufacturing environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Indoors
• The position involves occasional travel.