Continuous Improvement Engineer (Lean)

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $1.5B in revenue, and employ approximately 7,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• Flexible time off policy

• A hybrid office schedule for qualifying employees

• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)

• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs

• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options

• Opportunities for career advance with an industry leading company!

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our team in Duncan, SC. The Continuous Improvement Engineer will utilize expertise in lean principles and industrial engineering concepts to optimize process workflow and eliminate non-value added effort. The position drives results-oriented performance improvement initiatives using proven Lean/IE methods.

The CI Engineer identifies key opportunities and gaps in the core business systems & manufacturing processes; aligns with other key participants, and leverages improvement methods, tools and techniques to eliminate waste (including costs). This position requires a balance between strategic thinking and tactical implementation, and the ability to analyze critical performance data to drive improvement. The key objectives of this position are improved efficiency, reduced waste, and cost savings.

Responsibilities

• Model, teach and implement the following concepts: workplace organization, standardized work, continuous flow, problem solving, and JIT production tools including value stream mapping, lead-time reduction, set-up time reduction, and process flow improvement.

• Utilize Industrial Engineering concepts to devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, and information.

• Develop analytical tools and reports, determine process performance baselines, maintain process performance measurements, and statistically analyze metrics to identify areas for process improvement.

• Utilize IE skill set to assist in production planning and strategy: plant layout, capacity/bottleneck analysis, simulation, capacity planning, make/buy analysis and headcount/manhours planning.

• Implement and support cultural change across the organization and drive business improvement.

• Lead Workplace 5S development and provide follow-up activities to drive improvement.

• Strong understanding on SMED, able to facilitate and follow up on all teams.

• Plans and conducts successful Kaizen activities that are fun and encourage others to want to participate.

• Assists in developing and documenting best methods via Job Methods and Job Instructions.

• Assists manufacturing in finding and eliminating the 7 wastes: Overproduction, Waiting, Transporting, Over-Processing, Inventory, Motion, and Defects.

• Utilize information from OEE systems to drive actions that improve OEE and productivity.

• Manage Monthly VA/VE data collection and reporting and coordinate with Engineering and Operations to identify improvement projects and opportunities.

• Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or other engineering discipline.

• Demonstrated solid performer with 3+ years of IE experience in a manufacturing environment; cable manufacturing a plus.

• Solid grasp and practical implementation of Industrial Engineering concepts.

• Lean manufacturing experience and expertise.

• Six Sigma Certification not required but a plus.

• Background in people management and project management.

• Membership of an industry related professional body would be advantageous.

• Experienced user of MS Outlook and Office with intermediate or high Excel and Word skills.

• Knowledge of simulation and statistical software is a plus.

• Practical understanding of EHS and quality systems.

• No pending, active, or a repetitive history of disciplinary action.

• Dependable with exceptional attendance history.

Personal Qualities

• The position requires an ability to collaborate and communicate with cross-functional personnel.

• Safety oriented with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes (preferably cable).

• Strong group facilitation and leadership skills.

• Ability to lead a variety of cross-functional team members.

• Strong interpersonal and communication (listening, verbal, and written) skills; comfortable presenting information in a team setting; able to interact at all levels of the organization.

• Comfortable using math and statistical methods to analyze problems and make recommendations or decisions.

• Solid organization and time-management skills with the ability to set and achieve daily objectives with limited supervision. Biased towards action and results in order to achieve goals.

• Self-directed with little need for direct oversight on a continuous basis.

• Potential to grow into positions of increasing responsibility based on results and capabilities.

• Results oriented, with a keen awareness of the financial and commercial impact of actions.