Industrial Engineer (Packaging) - Contract Tier 1 Automotive Supplier

Industrial Engineer – Contract

Position Overview

The Industrial Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, analyzing, and continuously improving manufacturing processes within a Tier 1 automotive supplier environment. This role focuses on maximizing productivity, optimizing facility and equipment utilization, improving workflow efficiency, enhancing workplace safety, and reducing operational costs. The Industrial Engineer works closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) teams to develop sustainable solutions that support customer requirements and business objectives while driving operational excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Process Design and Manufacturing Optimization

• Develop, design, and plan manufacturing processes, equipment layouts, workstation configurations, and material flow systems to maximize plant and facility utilization.
• Analyze and improve workflow, production methods, and plant layouts to increase operational efficiency and reduce waste.
• Evaluate manpower utilization and worker productivity and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and operating performance.
• Support capacity planning initiatives to ensure manufacturing operations meet customer demand and production requirements.
• Conduct time studies, labor analysis, line balancing, and workflow assessments to optimize plant performance

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, cost reduction, waste elimination, and process optimization.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and process improvement activities throughout the facility.
• Develop solutions that reduce production delays, improve process flow, and support long-term operational sustainability.

• Develop and maintain metrics to monitor plant performance, equipment utilization, capacity output, and labor efficiency.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify process constraints, equipment bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Generate reports and recommendations to support strategic manufacturing decisions and operational planning.
• Support capital investment planning by identifying equipment and facility requirements to meet future production demands.

• Ensure manufacturing process designs and facility layouts comply with applicable safety regulations, customer requirements, and industry standards.
• Partner with the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) team to establish and maintain accident prevention programs and safety initiatives.
• Identify potential workplace hazards and recommend corrective actions to improve employee safety and ergonomic conditions.
• Support compliance with company safety policies and promote a culture of continuous safety improvement.

• Collaborate with Production and EH&S teams to develop and coordinate training programs related to manufacturing processes, safety practices, and operational procedures.
• Assist in the implementation of new processes, equipment, and manufacturing technologies by providing employee training and support.
• Promote best practices and standardized work methods throughout the organization.

• Work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support operational goals and customer requirements.
• Participate in new product launches, process validation activities, and engineering change implementation.
• Support problem-solving activities and root cause analysis related to manufacturing performance, quality concerns, and process inefficiencies.
• Assist with APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and continuous improvement projects as required.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or process improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably within a Tier 1 supplier environment.
• Experience conducting labor studies, capacity analysis, facility layout planning, and process optimization initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing process improvement and cost-reduction projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of automotive quality systems and core tools, including APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, and Control Plans.
• Strong knowledge of facility layout design, material flow analysis, ergonomics, and capacity planning.
• Experience developing performance metrics and analyzing manufacturing data to drive operational improvements.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, PLC-controlled equipment, and modern manufacturing technologies.
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing-related software.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with regular exposure to production equipment, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform detailed observations, workflow studies, and ergonomic evaluations on the production floor.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all company safety requirements.
• Ability to travel between production areas and attend meetings, training sessions, and project activities as needed.