Senior Industrial Engineer

Position Summary

The Senior Industrial Engineer is responsible for leading the analysis, design, and optimization of complex manufacturing processes for electrical distribution equipment, including UL-891 switchboards, motor control centers, and engineered-to-order automation systems. This role drives continuous improvement initiatives and mentors junior engineers to ensure high standards of quality, safety, and engineered reliability. Through data-driven decision-making, project leadership, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams, the Senior Industrial Engineer enhances process efficiency, cost effectiveness, and compliance with industry standards.

Overall Job Description

The Senior Industrial Engineer plays a critical role in optimizing manufacturing operations for a growing electrical equipment manufacturer. This position leads strategic improvements across production processes to ensure solutions meet customer, supplier, and regulatory requirements. The role promotes a culture of safety, quality, and customization, directly contributing to operational excellence and manufacturing performance.

Key responsibilities include advanced time studies, Lean and Six Sigma implementation, data analytics, project leadership aligned with PMBOK principles, mentoring engineering staff, and driving initiatives that support business objectives and compliance requirements. Flexibility is required to support production deadlines, including occasional extended hours or weekend work.

Department & Reporting Structure

• Department: Continuous Improvement / Industrial Engineering
• Reports To: Industrial Engineering Manager

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead analysis and optimization of complex manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, safety, and quality
• Design and implement strategic improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, automation, and data-driven methodologies
• Apply project management best practices aligned with PMBOK frameworks
• Mentor junior engineers and support professional development
• Collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, production planning, quality, and engineering teams
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, safety standards, and applicable regulations
• Analyze production and performance data to drive continuous improvement and cost savings
• Maintain documentation for process designs, KPIs, project charters, and improvement plans

Key Functions

Primary Functions

• Conduct time studies, workflow analysis, data modeling, and ergonomic assessments
• Lead cross-functional improvement projects using structured project management methodologies
• Maintain documentation, dashboards, traceability records, and risk management plans

Secondary Functions

• Support QHSE and ergonomic improvement initiatives
• Train junior engineers in Lean, Six Sigma, analytics, and emerging manufacturing technologies
• Support digital transformation and smart manufacturing initiatives

Key Duties

• Perform detailed time studies, value stream mapping, and process simulations
• Design and implement process improvements including automation and advanced Lean techniques
• Develop dashboards and analytics models to identify bottlenecks and cost-saving opportunities
• Draft and maintain SOPs to meet compliance requirements
• Lead project planning, stakeholder reviews, and change control processes
• Mentor engineers in problem-solving, analytics, and project execution
• Validate improvements in live production environments
• Conduct risk assessments and process hazard analyses
• Participate in continuous improvement meetings and production readiness reviews
• Support project milestones with schedule flexibility as needed

Expectations

• Lead value-generating engineering initiatives using Lean, analytics, and project-based approaches
• Maintain a mentorship-focused leadership style
• Ensure safety-first process design with ergonomic best practices
• Deliver improvements aligned with quality, reliability, and customization standards
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and clear communication
• Drive continuous improvement through data-driven solutions

Recurring Activities

Daily

• Analyze real-time production and quality data
• Coach junior engineers on improvement initiatives
• Maintain ERP and performance documentation
• Troubleshoot operational issues using data

Weekly

• Facilitate continuous improvement team meetings
• Execute and validate process changes
• Coordinate cross-functional updates and risk mitigation
• Train teams on updated workflows or tools

Monthly

• Present project summaries and KPI updates
• Lead Lean / Kaizen events and analytics workshops
• Evaluate trends in throughput, downtime, and cost performance

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Industrial engineering, Lean, Six Sigma, ergonomics
• Project management principles (PMBOK)
• Data analytics and statistical process control
• Manufacturing compliance standards (UL, OSHA, ANSI/NEMA, IEC)
• ERP systems for documentation and performance tracking

Skills

• Time studies, layout optimization, simulation modeling
• Project scheduling tools (MS Project, Smartsheet)
• Power BI, Excel, Python (preferred)
• Technical writing and stakeholder communication
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities

Abilities

• Lead improvement projects from concept through execution
• Translate production data into actionable insights
• Manage shifting priorities in a manufacturing environment
• Drive adoption of modern engineering tools and methodologies

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time project execution
• Documentation accuracy and compliance
• Safety performance
• Measurable cost savings and efficiency improvements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, or Systems Engineering (Master’s preferred)
• 8+ years of industrial engineering experience in manufacturing
• 2+ years in a senior or lead engineering role

Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (required)
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry (required)
• Certified Manufacturing Engineer (preferred)

Pay: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you hold a bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field?
• Do you have hands-on experience applying Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other formal process improvement methodologies in a manufacturing environment?
• Have you personally conducted time studies, workflow analysis, or value stream mapping in a manufacturing setting?

Work Location: In person