Industrial Engineer, Level 1

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.

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