Manufacturing Process Optimization Engineer

GKN Automotive

Bowling Green, OH

JOB DETAILS
LOCATION
Bowling Green, OH
POSTED
5 days ago

Step into a day shaped by measurable impact

You start on the production floor, stopwatch in hand, mapping the flow of parts and people. You observe, record, and question—timing cycles, noting reach distances, and capturing real constraints. Back at your desk, the data turns into labor standards and simulations. You sketch layout alternatives, build a quick prototype in a pilot cell, and test a revised work method. By afternoon, you’re presenting a concise readout of trends and opportunities, aligning with operations and engineering on a plan to implement new processes and tools. Before you wrap, you coach supervisors on a refined standard work routine and update procedures so the gains stick.

What you’ll do

  • Establish and maintain accurate labor standards by analyzing work methods, performing time and motion studies, and quantifying performance.
  • Increase labor utilization through method improvement, small-scale pilots, and data-backed job restructuring recommendations.
  • Design and refine layouts for equipment and workspaces to maximize efficiency; analyze workforce utilization, space needs, and end-to-end workflow.
  • Spot, measure, and eliminate waste by evaluating processes, equipment, and operator techniques.
  • Conceptualize improvements, prepare business cases, and develop/evaluate pilot programs, simulations, and prototypes to de-risk change.
  • Lead and support continuous improvement efforts with management and engineering partners, from scoping to stabilization.
  • Translate findings into clear reports—collecting, analyzing, and summarizing operational data and trends for stakeholders.
  • Train and guide operators and supervisors on new standards and work methods to ensure adoption and sustainability.
  • Create, update, and maintain operating guidelines, procedures, and standardized work.
  • Advance Digital Transformation / Industry 4.0 by leveraging manufacturing data to boost throughput, quality, and efficiency.
  • Safeguard confidential company information and uphold organizational integrity.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you bring

  • BS in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
  • 2+ years of Industrial Engineering experience in manufacturing (preferred).
  • Depth in work measurement, process optimization, and lean manufacturing concepts.
  • Proficiency analyzing data, creating standard work, and delivering measurable improvements.
  • Clear communicator who collaborates effectively with operations and engineering teams.

Why you’ll love it here

  • Direct line of sight to improved manufacturing performance and efficiency.
  • Hands-on exposure to continuous improvement and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
  • Supportive, team-first manufacturing culture.
  • Competitive pay and benefits.
  • Professional development with real opportunities for career growth.

About the Company

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GKN Automotive