Production Improvement Specialist

Position Summary

The Production Improvement Expert is responsible for analyzing, optimizing, and continuously improving production processes to increase efficiency, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This role works closely with production, engineering, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to identify opportunities for operational excellence and drive sustainable improvements.

The role focuses on the practical application and improvement of welding, manual machining, CNC machining, setup, tooling, work holding, fixturing, and manufacturing methods. The Production Improvement Specialist helps translate engineering intent and process design into reliable, executable, and repeatable production methods that improve first-time quality, reduce rework and scrap, improve flow, and strengthen process discipline.

• Providing hands‑on technical support for chronic production problems involving welding, manual machining, CNC machining, setup, tooling, work holding, fixturing, and process execution.
• Partnering with the Industrial Engineer and Manufacturing / Methods Engineer to develop, test, validate, and sustain improved manufacturing methods.
• Analyze production processes, workflows, and performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Develop and implement strategies to improve productivity, quality, throughput, and equipment effectiveness.
• Conduct root cause analysis for production issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including yield, scrap rates, downtime, and cycle times.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement process improvements and standard operating procedures.
• Support automation and digital transformation projects where applicable.
• Train and coach employees on continuous improvement tools and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Prepare reports and presentations on improvement initiatives, results, and cost savings.
• Strong project management and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Support improvement of welding processes, techniques, tooling, fixtures, sequencing, and work aids.
• Provide practical welding expertise during root cause analysis, process development, and improvement activities.
• Support development and improvement of weld methods that increase quality, repeatability, and efficiency.
• Partner with Materials Engineering and Quality on welding procedure development, welder performance considerations, audits, and compliance‑related improvement needs.
• Provide input on welding equipment, consumables, work holding, process controls, and advanced welding technologies where applicable.
• Support technical troubleshooting for difficult welds, nonferrous materials, hardfacing/cladding, distortion, accessibility, fit‑up, and repeatability challenges.

• Support improvement of manual machining methods, setup practices, work holding, tooling, inspection points, and operator work aids.
• Provide practical insight into machine behavior, cutting conditions, tool wear, setup variation, part movement, distortion, and sequence‑related issues.
• Help identify opportunities to improve repeatability, reduce rework, improve safety, and simplify execution for manual machining operations.

• Support improvement of CNC machining processes through practical evaluation of setup, tooling, fixturing, machine behavior, program execution, operator interaction, and process stability.
• Partner with Manufacturing / Methods Engineering, CNC programming, and Production to troubleshoot recurring CNC machining issues.
• Provide input on manufacturability, setup reduction, tool selection, work holding, inspection integration, and cell layout for complex machined components.
• Support process improvement efforts for complex stems, plugs, seats, bodies, and other critical valve components.