Manufacturing Engineer - Entry Level, Continuous Improvement

Manufacturing Engineer - Entry Level, Continuous Improvement

Whitehall, MI, United States

• Job Identification 114157
• Job Category Quality
• Posting Date 11/15/2025, 12:05 AM
• Locations 1600 Harvard Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44105, US
• Job Schedule Full time
• Remote Work Schedule Availability? None
• Export-Controlled Data This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

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 5 minutes from beautiful Lake Michigan in Whitehall, Michigan. Popular neighboring cities include Grand Rapids and Muskegon.

• Work out of the Whitehall, MI 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 (JIT, Autonomation, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Line/Cell Design, Single Piece Flow, Material Flow, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, Root Cause Problem Solving, etc.)
• 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. This includes providing support to sustain all follow-throughs required to sustain the improvements initiated during those events, especially those concentrated on local improvement.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

The incumbent will possess:

• Willingness to work with shopfloor employees, interview, and document current condition
• Strong interpersonal skills requiring the ability to resolve conflicting interests and obtain cooperation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: able to develop and use structured approaches to identify root causes and recommend resolutions
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet objectives and key deadlines

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an accredited institution
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as exhibit initiative and a high level of energy
• Must be willing to spend time on the manufacturing shopfloor to learn and interact with employees
• Exhibit teamwork and go-getting attitude
• Good analytical/statistical problem-solving skills
• Must be able to work 2nd or 3rd shift
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and Power Point
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering
• Exceptional Excel Spreadsheet creation, macros, and related data analysis skills

The incumbent shall take such steps as necessary to assure that all employment practices under his/her control,…