Manufacturing Engineer at ANCRA INTERNATIONAL, LLC

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer develops and implements optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications, safety, and quality standards.  Recommends and implements improvements to production processes, methods and controls.  Leads the practical implementation of projects with a strong focus on continuous improvement. Coordinates manufacturing launch for new or revised products. Priorities include process improvement, problem resolution, project management, and employee training. The key priority in this role is coordination with operations on any new product development or product changes and maintaining all equipment that helps manufacture in-house products whether managing in-house staff or outside vendors. The expectation of Ancra Cargo employees is to demonstrate Ancra Cargo’s core values, and to foster a positive culture through interactions with co-workers and guests.

Key Responsibilities and Priorities:

• Safety is our number one priority. This role will promote safety culture through safety toolbox talks, safety committee participation, and positive reinforcement programs.
• Performs research, design, development, and implementation of manufacturing processes, including production flow, assembly methods, and production equipment. ​

• Leads Process Improvement projects in support of Kentucky Operations’ continuous improvement plan.
• Coordinates the manufacturing launch of new/revised products, including establishing goals, training team members and evaluating results.
• Designs, develops, implements, tests or sources and cost-justifies various tools, machinery and equipment for recommended safe manufacturing methods.
• Performs product/process analysis for safety, quality, and efficiency improvement.
• Responsible for maintaining the cost of manufactured products by managing routings in the ERP system.
• Responsible for all internal time studies and validation on manufactured processes.
• Support for production tooling related items/tasks.
• Determine root causes to eliminate safety and quality issues in the manufacturing process.
• Develop best practices for manufacturing methods and standardize across all sites.
• Work closely with quality assurance and maintenance personnel to prevent problems with products and equipment.
• Represents manufacturing and operations on cross-functional teams.
• Participate in and/or lead insource versus outsource analysis.
• Create and update work instructions to document manufacturing methods.
• Prepares and maintains detailed layouts of buildings and equipment.
• Ensure all manufacturing safety regulatory policies and procedures are implemented and maintained.
• Assist in the assessment of vendor/subcontractors and their processes.
• Participates and actively leads kaizen activities and Gemba walks.
• Communicate upwards to manager on any machine, maintenance, or engineering tasks that are in jeopardy of missing deadlines.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Position Consults with:  This position will work with Ancra Cargo Operations, Safety, and Engineering personnel at all sites, as well as with some suppliers.    

Years of Experience Required:   2 – 5 years’ experience in Manufacturing Engineering

Education Requirements: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree and experience.

Skills, Specialized Knowledge and Abilities:

• 2D/3D CAD Experience
• Metal Machining Experience
• Project Management experience
• Knowledge of Continuous Improvement processes
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Must be a self-starter, detail oriented, and organized
• Must be able to prioritize and balance workloads and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting and as a member of a cross-functional team

Certification Requirements: - Lean or Six Sigma training and certification preferred but not required.

Working Conditions/Travel Requirements:  Travel is approximately 20%.  Some international travel may be required. 

Normal manufacturing environments should be expected.  Use of safety glasses, safety shoes, and hearing protection may be required.