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, 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 governme