Department: Manufacturing / Process Improvement
Reports To: Dunkirk General Manager
Key Interfaces: Operations, Technology, Quality, Accounting, Production Control, and Management Team Members
Position OverviewThe Project Engineer / Analyst is a developmental role focused on driving steel manufacturing process improvements through data analytics, business applications, and Lean manufacturing strategies. This position serves as a bridge between technical data systems and operational execution—developing analytical tools, facilitating Lean/Kaizen initiatives, and leading multidisciplinary project teams to improve productivity, product quality, and safety.
Key ResponsibilitiesContinuous Improvement & Lean ManufacturingLean Execution: Apply Lean principles to eliminate waste, improve On-Time Delivery (OTD), reduce cycle times, and establish new work standards for machinery, processes, and personnel.
Kaizen Facilitation: Lead Kaizen events and focused continuous improvement initiatives across all shifts alongside Manufacturing Supervisors and Operators.
Culture & Coaching: Build a Lean culture through "Learn by Doing" coaching and Train-the-Trainer methodologies to build department self-sufficiency.
Metrics & Dashboards: Develop visual metrics and performance dashboards to track KPIs and identify operational gaps plant-wide.
Process Analysis: Leverage existing data systems, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Level 2 (L2) automation data collection to analyze and improve process capability and product quality.
Database & Software Maintenance: Troubleshoot, refine, and improve plant databases and analytical tools.
User Support & Training: Provide training, documentation, and technical support to system end-users across all plant departments (with occasional off-hours/fill-in support).
Project Planning: Define project scopes, timelines, budgets, staffing allocations, and resource requirements.
Team Coordination: Direct project staff, assign duties, monitor progress against milestones/budgets, and resolve technical issues.
Management Reporting: Prepare project status reports and executive presentations for management and stakeholders.
Maintain a plant culture that prioritizes employee health and safety above all operational goals.
Enforce strict compliance with safety rules, procedures, and PPE requirements while actively recommending safety enhancements.
Lean Manufacturing Mastery: Deep understanding of Lean tools (5S, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, SMED, etc.) to drive quantifiable productivity and cost savings.
Technical & Analytical Aptitude: Proficiency in SPC, database/software troubleshooting, and automated data collection systems (L2 automation).
Project Leadership: Strong skills in project scoping, resource allocation, schedule tracking, and managing cross-functional teams.
Communication & Collaboration: Superior written/verbal communication skills with proven ability to craft executive presentations and engage with all plant levels.
Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure under pressure.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.- Preferred
Experience:
Minimum 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
Minimum 2 years of related engineering, data analysis, or process improvement experience.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- Two years of related experience
- Two years of manufacturing experience
What We Do
Universal Stainless, headquartered in Bridgeville, PA, produces semi-finished and finished specialty steel long products and plate including nickel alloy, stainless steel, tool steel and aircraft quality low alloy steels. These can be manufactured into a wide variety of grades and product forms. Our products, which are sold to service centers, forgers, rerollers and original equipment manufacturers, are further processed by our customers for use in a variety of industries, including: Aerospace Power generation Oil & Gas Heavy equipment manufacturing Our specialty bar facilities have one of the broadest and diverse size range and product capabilities in the industry. We also offer conversion services on our Radial Forge and Universal Rolling Mill. Established in 1994, our experience, technical expertise, and dedicated workforce stand committed to providing the best quality, delivery, and service possible.
