KPS Global LLC
Job DescriptionKPS Global (KPSG) is the North American industry leader in the manufacture, production, and installation of walk-in coolers and freezers. KPSG's end-product serves many channels within the retail food market as well as industrial applications. KPSG is based in Fort Worth, Texas with engineering activities centralized in the Fort Worth facility (along with Finance, Human Resources, Customer Operations, Sales, and Installation Services), supporting product manufacturing in four other locations: San Dimas, CA; Piney Flats, TN; Conyers, GA; and Goodyear, AZ.The Manufacturing Engineer will focus on optimizing and improving our predominantly manual production processes, as well as providing manufacturing solutions for our current line of products and those new proposed through our research and development initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer requires possessing a strong understanding of manufacturing principles, a hands-on approach, flexibility, and the ability to work collaboratively with production teams to drive efficiency, quality and safety across all manufacturing facilities. This role plays a big part in ensuring KPS Global is at the forefront of offering value added to our customers while internally improving throughput, reducing operating costs, and outstanding service to internal and external customers.Required SkillsMajor Responsibilities Process Improvement: Analyze existing manual production processes to identify areas for improvement in efficiency, quality, and costDevelop and implement process improvements through work instructions, tooling modifications, and ergonomic enhancementsConduct time studies and motion analysis to optimize workflow and reduce cycle timesImplement Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate waste and improve flowPerform pilot tests, often required behind new product development, supply chain, etc. to identify potential problems, assess feasibility, and refine methodologies before full-scale implementationIdentify potential failure modes within a manufacturing process through PFMEAWork Instruction Development & Maintenance:Create and maintain clear, concise, and accurate work instructions for all manual production processesTrain production personnel in new and revised work instructionsEnsure work instructions are readily available and up to dateReview engineering changes and take appropriate measures to ensure all product documentation for the affected operationsTooling & Fixture Design & Implementation:Design and implement simple tooling and fixtures to improve ergonomics, accuracy, and efficiency of manual operationsCollaborate with production personnel to understand tooling needs and ensure effective implementationWork with outside vendors to procure tools and fixtures when neededProduction Support:Provide technical support to production personnel to resolve manufacturing issuesAssist with troubleshooting and problem-solving during productionAssist in the training of new production employeesAnalyze, report and optimize production cost structureIncrease production speed generating cost savings and free capacityQuality Control:Collaborate and support the implementation of quality control procedures to ensure consistent product qualityInvestigate and resolve quality issues related to manual processesParticipate in root cause analysis and implement corrective actionsSafety:Collaborate and support safety assessments of manual processes and identify potential hazardsImplement safety improvements to reduce the risk of injuryEnsure compliance with all safety regulationsDocumentation:Maintain accurate records of process changes, tooling designs, and quality control dataGenerate reports on process performance and improvement initiativesCollaborate and support maintenance of Bills of Materials with Product EngineeringSupport the development of global manufacturing engineering standardsRequired ExperienceRequired Skills, Experience, Education & CertificationsBS degree: MS preferred (Manufacturing / Industrial Engineering desired)5+ years of experience in manufacturing, process design, or related areaIn depth working knowledge of continuous improvement processes - Toyota Production Principles and Six Sigma methodology (Green Belt / Black Belt Certification desirable)Proficiency in Minitab and Excel Statistical ToolPakProven ability to improve production speed and flowAbility to work cross-functionally throughout all levels of an organization to manage change and process implementationsA demonstrated track record of developing and training employees - high level of employee engagement, "comfortable" in both the factory and office environmentCompletion of at least one large scale project where significant cost savings were achievedDesired AttributesCurious nature, investigates thoroughlyHigh energy, easy to work with style, functions with different leadership styles and projects seamlesslyExcellent proven "people" skills, works well with all levels, tailors' one's delivery (verbal and written) in light of the audience, advocate of employee engagementApply theory and tools in a practical and appropriate fashion relative to desired outcome Large appetite to understand the business in entirety - the customer base and channels, the product and function, manufacturing processes (strengths and areas needing improvement), and product installation challengesThe focus may be site specific, however the expectation is to collaborate with peers across all manufacturing facilities to standardize procedures and processes, including sharing best practices, issue resolution, etcKPS Global values its outstanding people who are deeply committed to providing innovative, high-quality service to clients from coast to coast. As a member of the KPS team, you'll be part of an exciting and modern company culture where you will enjoy professional flexibility and benefit from an environment where creativity, innovation, and hard work are rewarded.