Production Engineer

Job Overview

Job Purpose:

To help our customers to grow by flawlessly launching new products and to save money by lowering their costs.

• Identification and implementation of continuous improvements that lead to cost savings
• Evaluate assumptions being used in the development phase of new projects to ensure accuracy and relevancy to current line speeds and conditions.
• Understand cost savings requirements by customer and ensure identification of ample savings opportunities related to ongoing production.
• Recommend and influence adoption of changes to production processes that lead to cost savings. Minimize “cost of quality” by ensuring clarity of specifications and monitoring adherence.
• Work with Apex Lean Champion and Production Manager to identify “opportunity SKUs” that will help create Apex efficiency.
• Recommend crew size and run speed changes to finance that reflect realistic ongoing production parameters.
• Maintain and continuously improve training tools and processes that ensure flawless ongoing execution
• Customer Focused Expert who ensures the ongoing lean manufacturability of our new customer products within the Apex value stream.
• Provide input during the quoting process to ensure accuracy and achievability of cost estimates.
• Provide input during the development process to ensure process capability and ability to meet specifications.
• Manage training and education of the production crews for launches of new products.
• Ensure receipt of “hand off” from Manufacturing Engineer to deliver flawless launches.
• Ensure timely and thorough completion of all post-launch activities related to production.
• Monitor additional production runs to validate post-launch actions have transformed “new” into “routine”. Intervene as needed.
• Provide solutions to challenges related to the production of new launch SKUs.
• Communicate proactively with all affected parties regarding new product integration, product changes, or manufacturing solutions.
• Proactively communicate project work status to internal teams based on project requirements.
• Ensure customer satisfaction by communicating project status and ongoing opportunities to customer and/or Account Manager.
• Ensure reports are clear, accurate and timely.
• Follow-through to ensure reports are understood and utilized.
• Understand and maintain a culture of “lean action” within the department so that we live lean better than any organization.
• Implement and maintain standards and processes that eliminate waste throughout the department.
• Apply and utilize “lean tools” to permanently implement improvements.
• Institutionalize 5-S in all aspects of the department. (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain)
• Perform other work as assigned.

• Continuous improvement
• Packaging
• Industrial equipment
• Troubleshooting

Prior

Experience:

This position requires more than 2 years and less than or equal to 10 years experience in a production, manufacturing or engineering role. Some experience designing and/or documenting systems and procedures is required. Thorough understanding and working knowledge of filling lines, cappers, torquers, coders, PLC controls, pumps, and computer controlled packaging equipment. Prior experience in the review and qualification of manufacturing equipment and packaging materials is helpful.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
Ability to multi-task and prioritize several tasks simultaneously. Ability to work independently as well as work within a team environment. Ability to work effectively with internal and external customers and vendors. Demonstrated ability to understand specifications, complete training programs and ensure adherence to processes. Knowledge with the following computer programs:
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Alliance MRP, and Outlook. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, blueprints, etc. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college or equivalent. Licenses and Certifications required:
Lean or Six Sigma certification desirable.

Entry Level

Contract to Hire position based out of Chaska, MN.

Pay…