Industrial Engineer

Engineering

Industrial Engineer 3 Culpepeer, VA Posted: 8/5/2026

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking an Industrial Engineer 3, in Culpeper, VA. Job

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Industrial Engineer to join our team. This role focuses on optimizing manufacturing systems, processes, and workflows to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support the integration of new technologies and automation. The ideal candidate brings substantial industrial engineering experience, preferably within a Department of Defense (DoD) or automotive manufacturing environment, and has a strong working knowledge of new process introduction methodologies and automation tools.

• Analyze and evaluate existing manufacturing processes, workflows, and systems to identify opportunities for improvement in efficiency, quality, and cost
• Design and implement optimized production layouts, work cells, and material flow strategies
• Lead and support new process introduction (NPI) activities, including process planning, documentation, time studies, and production readiness assessments
• Identify, evaluate, and integrate automation tools and technologies to enhance manufacturing operations
• Develop and maintain standard work documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, time and motion studies, and capacity analyses
• Apply industrial engineering techniques such as value stream mapping, line balancing, ergonomic analysis, and simulation modeling to drive operational improvements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, program management, and supply chain to support production goals and schedules
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure process performance and improvement outcomes
• Support facility planning, equipment layout, and capital project justification activities
• Conduct make/buy analyses, capacity planning, and resource utilization studies
• Assist in the development of labor standards and production rate estimates to support program planning and cost proposals
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to production personnel

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline
• Minimum 5 years of experience in an Industrial Engineering role within a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience with new process introduction methodologies and tools
• Working knowledge of automation tools and technologies and their application in a manufacturing setting
• Proficiency in industrial engineering techniques including time studies, value stream mapping, line balancing, and capacity planning
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements

• 10 or more years of industrial engineering experience
• Experience working within a DoD defense contractor or automotive manufacturing environment
• Experience with process equipment relating to propellant manufacture or food processing such as vertical mixers, fluid energy mills, etc
• Familiarity with DoD 4145, manufacturing readiness levels (MRLs), and related program requirements
• Experience with automotive industry standards and frameworks such as APQP, PPAP, or PFMEA
• Proficiency with simulation and modeling software (e.g., Flex Sim or similar)
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data analysis tools
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Creo, or other facility layout and design tools
• Active DoD Security Clearance or ability to obtain one

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free…