We are seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Engineer for a global automotive and clean energy technology company in the Los Indios, TX area. This role will report to the Sr. Engineering and Manufacturing Manager and will be responsible for improving processes within a large 3PL automotive warehouse.
Job Responsibilities:
Research, design, develop, implement and improve processes to enhance schedule performance, lower costs, and improve quality through application of Lean/Value Analysis-Value Engineering concepts, techniques, analysis and decision tools within high-volume automotive distribution and logistics environment.
Utilize engineering methods (e.g., mathematical models, simulation, statistics) to assist in developing optimal process designs and efficient utilization of resources (e.g., facilities, personnel, materials, equipment).
Develop warehousing labor standards, rates, workload and staffing models considering standard rates.
Develop meaningful productivity metrics and KPIs for large-scale automotive warehousing environment.
Survey, benchmark and develop gap analysis to industry benchmark KPIs for order fulfillment, receipts, picks, put-aways and shipments in automotive Tier1 or OEM environment.
Lead projects (ERP, cap-x, in/outsourcing etc.) to close gaps to industry benchmarks.
Regularly survey equipment suppliers, 3PLs, OEMs and other 3rd parties for productivity & service level improvements enabled by emerging technologies (RFID, WMS, AGVs, conveyors, scanners, automated packaging, labeling etc.)
Assist with material flow path modeling and optimal bin/container/location design to minimize travel distances, reduce errors/defects and ensure reliability of critical scale processes.
Improve warehouse labor productivity in line with industry norms, lead cap-x improvement projects, and develop optimal balance of in-sourced/outsourced headcount,
Make presentations in meetings and provide real-time communication to Site Director on issues requiring escalation
Provide ongoing communication support to corporate, factory, and LI Operations to ensure operation is running efficiently and with enough capacity to meet customer demand.
Develop a culture of continuous improvement by constantly identifying opportunities to reduce cost, gain efficiencies, and/or eliminate waste.
Consistently review team activity and value-added work to identify gaps and assess the possibility of using outside vendors to offset peaks in workload.
Responsible for maximizing the use of Technology, Business Intelligence, and managing budget to ensure year-on-year improvements.
Collaborate and work with professionals throughout all company sites, including factories and corporate functions.
Required Experience, Skills & Education:
- Four-Year College Degree in Engineering, Materials Management or equivalent, related degree
- Five (5) years – Ten (10) years of experience in working in high-volume automotive manufacturing or warehousing environments
- Labor Management background/experience required.
- Prefer experience within or contracted to 3PL’s, managing internal staff, external and/or contract employees.
- Strong ability to holistically analyze overall material flow process and implement process improvements.
- Ability to apply continuous improvement techniques (Lean, TPM, Kaizen, Six Sigma) is required.
- Six Sigma (Green Belt) and LEAN Certifications strongly preferred.
- Strong communication and influencing skills with both hourly staff and senior managers.
- Ability to project manage and deliver results in a diverse multi-cultural environment.
- SAP Warehouse Management experience preferred (or similar ERP warehousing management application).
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish language is required
