About this role
The Industrial Engineer I supports manufacturing operations through process improvement, production optimization, facility layout planning, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Production to improve productivity, reduce costs, enhance product quality, and support the successful introduction of new optical and electro-optical products into production.
The Industrial Engineer I applies Lean Manufacturing principles, industrial engineering methodologies, and data analysis to improve manufacturing efficiency, optimize workflows, and support operational excellence.
Responsibilities:
Process Improvement
Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
Develop and maintain process flow diagrams, value stream maps, and workflow documentation.
Evaluate manufacturing bottlenecks and recommend process improvements.
Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support Kaizen events and waste reduction activities.
Production Optimization
Conduct time studies, labor studies, and cycle time analysis.
Develop and maintain labor standards and manufacturing metrics.
Improve production layouts to maximize workflow and space utilization.
Assist with production balancing and capacity planning.
Evaluate equipment utilization and production efficiency.
Manufacturing Documentation
Develop and maintain standard work instructions and visual work aids.
Support manufacturing readiness reviews for new product introductions.
Assist Engineering with the transition of new products into production.
Maintain manufacturing documentation and process records.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
Support manufacturing engineering activities for prototype, pilot, and production builds.
Assist with manufacturing process validation.
Evaluate manufacturability of new product designs.
Collaborate with Design Engineering to improve Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
Data Analysis
Analyze manufacturing performance using production data and KPIs.
Support cost modeling and labor estimates.
Maintain manufacturing performance dashboards.
Assist with production reporting and operational metrics.
Continuous Improvement
Support 5S workplace organization initiatives.
Participate in root cause investigations and corrective actions.
Assist with implementation of process improvements.
Recommend cost reduction opportunities.
Support inventory flow improvements and material handling optimization.
Cross-Functional Support
Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, Planning, and Quality.
Support ERP/MRP data accuracy, including routings, labor standards, and Bills of Material.
Assist with supplier and production readiness activities.
Provide technical support to manufacturing personnel.
Additional Responsibilities
Support quote development through labor and process estimates.
Participate in engineering and manufacturing improvement projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline
0–2 years of industrial or manufacturing engineering experience
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
Knowledge of industrial engineering concepts and work measurement
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to analyze production data and develop recommendations
Strong organizational and project management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office
Ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams
Must be a U.S. Person as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) due to access to export-controlled products and technical data
Must comply with all company safety policies, quality standards, and export control regulations
Preferred
Internship or experience in manufacturing
Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing initiatives
Experience in optics, photonics, aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI)
Experience with facility layouts and workflow optimization
Experience conducting time studies and labor analysis
Experience using ERP/MRP systems
Familiarity with AutoCAD or other facility layout software
Knowledge of statistical process improvement techniques