Continuous Improvement Engineer

Aearo Company, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality safety products, has an immediate opening for a Continuous Improvement Engineer for our dynamic Northwest, Indianapolis facility.

Position Summary:
Under the Director of Productivity and Process Improvement, the Continuous Improvement Engineer will act as a technical leader for the conceptualization, design, development, construction, installation and support of global Aearo productivity and process improvement projects and programs. Engineering experience is required since this role will support our manufacturing plants in their process development and cost improvement projects globally. The Continuous Improvement Engineer will play a key leadership role in identification and implementation of productivity improvement programs using Demand Flow Technology (DFT), Kaizen, Six Sigma, Cycle Time Reduction, and other Lean Manufacturing techniques.

 

Primary Responsibilities

 

?  Act as corporate project manager relating to strategic global initiatives concerning acquisitions, joint venture, and supplier partnerships.  Responsible for analysis, development and implementation of supply chain projects throughout North America and Europe. Lead teams in subcontracting opportunities by working as Project Manager between manufacturing plants and receiving supplier.

 

?  Identifies and understands the impact of new processes and/or changes to existing processes on processing, production costs, product quality and end-use performance. Prepares authorizations and cost justifications for capital projects. Involved in automation, process development technology and manufacturing operations. Actively participates in plant projects from the earliest conceptualization and design stages through to the development, construction and installation of new processes/process changes to assure that products produced meet or exceed end-user expectations.

?  Leads training programs and productivity improvement events such as Demand Flow Technology implementations, kaizen events, problem-solving teams, and benchmarking teams.

?  Responsible for setting the technical direction for the following Aearo Company process technology areas:

- Product Assembly, Process Automation, Robotics and Mechanical Handling

- High Speed Production Processing

- High Speed Packaging Machinery

- Conveying Equipment

- Process Control. PLC Control Systems and Programming

- Pneumatic and Electro-Pneumatic Technology

- Fiber Optic Technology

?  Develops process technology standards to be used by Aearo Company manufacturing plants globally and is responsible to assure that any new process technology meets the standards. Ensures there is proper documentation that process equipment meets manufacturing process capability and cost requirements

?  Analyzes and reports on the process capability of manufacturing to meet the product requirements defined in the production specifications

?  Evaluates and audits the processing equipment and systems of our production plants and contract manufacturers to determine the effectiveness/capability of manufacturing systems, compliance with internal guidelines/specifications and to identify opportunities for continuous improvement

?  Acts as the knowledgeable contact for process technology information to assist the manufacturing facilities with the new process/process improvement technology development

?  Develops and implements new methods of process data analysis which measures plant performance in meeting production specifications

?  Responsible for monitoring current and new process and manufacturing practices on a global basis

?  Responsible for Project Management including timelines, project budgets, and team formation and leadership

 

Requirements:

Technical/Functional Knowledge:

The job requires a minimum of a bachelor?s degree in engineering or the acquired equivalent.

 

Job Experience:

This position requires five to ten years working experience, with at least five years in Manufacturing and an in-depth knowledge of process and product technology.  Experience with continuous improvement techniques such as Lean Manufacturing, Demand Flow Technology, or Six Sigma are desired. 

 

Requires interaction with many functions internally, including Aearo Manufacturing, Contract Manufacturing, R&D, Packaging and Marketing. The position also requires interaction externally with suppliers and other outside technical organizations to assure that we are using the most effective technology in our manufacturing facilities. 

 

Human Relations:

Must exhibit a high degree of human relations skills with influencing abilities in order to work effectively with many functions to design, develop, install and implement new technologies.  Must have strong leadership skills to guide groups of individuals that do not directly report to this position.

 

 

Problem Solving:

 

?  Continuous Improvement Engineer thinks and  prioritizes and assures that plans and actions are consistent with other functions and the overall project scope and objectives

?  Guidelines and procedures outline responses to issues, but independent decision making is required to address specific project/technical/personnel issues.

   Problems are non-routine and oftentimes technically complex, requiring the combination of several dissimilar technologies to develop a viable totally integrated process. Problems require effective problem solving, judgment and communications involving many functions to assure process integrity and product performance and quality

?  Interpersonal expertise is required and technical approaches must be tailored to meet cost and performance requirements

?  Continuous Improvement Engineer thinks and prioritizes activities and also assures that plans and actions are consistent with other functions and the overall project scope and objectives

 

Impact on End Results:

The Continuous Improvement Engineer, in collaboration with Manufacturing, directly impacts the development of new process technology and the related Aearo Company introduction of new and/or improved products.  The Continuous Improvement Engineer will also play a large role in Aearo?s successful achievement of company financial cost targets.

 

 

  Travel Requirement

  In order to fulfill these responsibilities, this position will require up to 50% travel.

 

Aearo offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, including a 401K plan and a dynamic working environment. Qualified candidates should apply on line or fax resume and salary requirements in confidence to #317-692-6687. You may also visit our website at http://www.aearo.com/ *Aearo Company proudly supports Affirmative Action. Aearo Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. Employment contingent upon successful completion of background investigation. Smoke-free workplace. Drug-free work environment. Pre-employment drug screening required. All resumes are held in confidence. Must be eligible to work in this country.