EPITEC
Manufacturing Engineer(Industrial Project Engineer)

Location: Pontiac, IL
Work Arrangement: On-Site (5 Days/Week)
Duration: 12+ Month Contract-to go internal
Pay: $47-48
Start Date: ASAP

About the Opportunity

This role is ideal for a hands-on industrial engineering professional who can quickly assess operations, conduct detailed time studies, develop labor utilization models, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency across the manufacturing value stream. The successful candidate will spend significant time on the shop floor gathering data, collaborating with operations teams, and driving process improvements that support future production demand.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct time, motion, and labor utilization studies to establish production standards and improve efficiency.
• Develop Yamazumi charts and labor balancing models.
• Perform capacity assessments to support future demand planning.
• Analyze workflow, material flow, floor layouts, and machine utilization.
• Identify bottlenecks, waste, and opportunities for throughput improvement.
• Lead value stream mapping and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Create and present data visualizations, dashboards, and operational reports.
• Review production data and quality records to validate performance against established standards.
• Recommend process, equipment, material handling, and layout improvements.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and shop floor transformation efforts.
• Partner with Production, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance teams to drive operational excellence.
• Lead projects focused on productivity improvements, workforce planning, and manufacturing performance.

First 90 Days

During the initial onboarding period, the focus will be on:

• Conducting time and motion studies
• Gathering shop floor data
• Building labor utilization and Yamazumi models
• Identifying optimization opportunities
• Supporting waste reduction initiatives
• Developing visual analytics to drive operational decisions

The primary focus area will initially be within assembly operations, with additional areas assigned based on business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• 8–10 years of Manufacturing Engineering or Industrial Engineering experience
• Strong background in:
  • Time Studies
  • Motion Studies
  • Labor Utilization Analysis
  • Capacity Planning
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Continuous Improvement
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to effectively work with production teams and gain operational buy-in
• Ability to work independently and quickly adapt within a manufacturing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• MODAPTS Certification (Highly Preferred)
• Experience with labor standard development and workforce optimization
• Project Management experience
• Microsoft Power Apps
• Microsoft Power Automate
• AutoCAD or CAD software experience
• Data analytics and visualization expertise
• Experience with workflow automation and AI-based tools
• Leadership experience influencing cross-functional teams

Preferred Industry Experience

Candidates from a variety of manufacturing backgrounds will be considered. Experience within the following industries is highly desirable:

• Automotive Manufacturing
• Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
• Construction Equipment
• Mining Equipment
• Caterpillar or similar industrial manufacturing environments

Top Skills

1. Time & Motion Studies / Labor Utilization
2. Capacity Planning & Manufacturing Optimization
3. Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement