Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (AME)

JOB SUMMARY
The Advanced Manufacturing Engineering role is intended for dynamic individuals, who can leverage a broad range of technical knowledge and experience in an electronic and electro-mechanical engineering, work directly with external suppliers, internal sourcing teams, quality engineering, and R&D engineering (NPI) teams. The successful candidate must be able to effectively communicate with senior management, have a big-picture strategic mindset, handle multiple priorities simultaneously, and be adept at fostering strong relationships with both internal and external teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supplier Collaboration:
▪ Work closely with external suppliers to ensure seamless integration of manufacturing processes, from design to production, and foster strong partnerships to drive continuous improvement and cost reduction efforts.
▪ Support the product, process, and production requirements of externally supplied components, tools, and equipment.
▪ Identify operational improvements regarding mfg. workflow, production tools and process documentation.
▪ Support the search for, establishment of, and development of new suppliers.
▪ Team up with engineering, purchasing, and suppliers to harmonize discrepancies in product drawing/specifications, to support the evaluation of cost reduction and quality improvement opportunities.

Cost Management:
▪ Develop and execute material cost reduction initiatives and implement strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness.
▪ Analyze manufacturing costs, identify cost drivers, and implement strategies to enhance cost-effectiveness.
▪ Participate in cross functional, Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) cost saving idea generation workshops.
▪ Drive product BOM Cost analysis for the identification of cost reduction opportunities.
▪ Coordinate and support material savings initiatives related to purchased price supplier reduction projects.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 8-10 years of progressive experience in design engineering, manufacturing engineering or production environment.
• Strong mechanical design experience utilizing 3D CAD software. (Autodesk Suite - Inventor preferred).
• Technical knowledge of relevant manufacturing processes such as electronics (PCBA) assembly, electronics testing, mechanical assembly, injection molding, extrusion, metal fabrication, forming, welding, and surface finishing/coating.
• Ability to read, interpret and analyze technical data and engineering drawings/specifications to convert requirements into meaningful action plans.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects/processes under tight concurrent deadlines.
• Broad tactical and strategic “bandwidth”, i.e., the ability to successfully manage multiple-rapidly changing priorities.
• Exposure to “Should Cost Modeling” techniques and BOM analysis to identify potential cost saving opportunities.
• Strong knowledge and experience in Lean techniques and Operational Excellence tools including but not limited to: Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen facilitation, Problem Solving, Strategy Deployment, 6S, Six Sigma.
• Demonstrated track record leveraging data to solve problems and must possess strong critical thinking skills.
• Ability to conduct complex analytics and synthesize insights into actionable initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering or Industrial engineering.
• Advanced degree such as an MBA is a plus.


ADDITIONAL SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS
• Possess a continuous process improvement mindset with the ability to effectively lead and manage change.
• Certifications in Lean and/or Six Sigma Green-Black Belt preferred.
• Strong leadership and decision-making ability.
• Ability to coach & facilitate teams.
• Working knowledge of SAP or similar ERP/MRP system.
• Solid financial and statistics acumen is preferred.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. (English/Spanish or English/French).
• Multilingual preferred; role requires proficient communication between international sites and suppliers.
• Must be willing and able to travel as needed up to 30%. (Globally)
• Base location: preferably Meriden, CT.


LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present informatio