Apex Placement & Consulting
Optimization Process Engineer
Apex Placement & Consulting, Ferndale, Michigan, United States, 48220
Overview
APEX Placement and Consulting has partnered with an innovative and growing company in Ferndale, MI looking to add an Optimization Process Engineer to their team. Their primary responsibility will be to analyze, improve, and optimize manufacturing processes in aluminum forging to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across production lines.
What’s in it for you
Shift : 1st Shift | Monday–Friday
Competitive salary at [insert pay range] depending on experience
Direct Hire position – you’ll be hired directly with our client!
Amazing benefits package once hired in permanently
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
401K with company match
Paid vacation and holidays
Opportunity to make a measurable impact on production efficiency and plant performance
What your day will look like
Lead process optimization projects for aluminum forging operations, focusing on improving cycle time, material utilization, and equipment performance.
Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions to reduce scrap, downtime, and defects.
Work cross-functionally with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop and optimize forging parameters such as temperature control, press tonnage, die lubrication, and forming speeds.
Use data-driven methodologies such as Six Sigma, SPC, and DOE (Design of Experiments) to evaluate and improve process capability.
Implement Lean Manufacturing principles to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and enhance throughput.
Partner with tooling engineers to enhance die life, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy.
Evaluate and recommend process automation and advanced manufacturing technologies to increase efficiency.
Document and standardize improved processes through work instructions, control plans, and training documentation.
Support new product launches and assist with process validation and PPAP submissions.
What we are looking for
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
3–7 years of experience in process engineering or continuous improvement within a metal forging, extrusion, or precision manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of aluminum metallurgy, forging principles, and heat treatment processes.
Proficient in Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, and statistical problem-solving tools.
Hands-on experience with process mapping, data collection, and equipment optimization.
Proven ability to drive results through collaboration and data-driven decision-making.
Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
Preferred Qualifications
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience with forging simulation software such as DEFORM or QForm.
Knowledge of CNC machining, finishing, and inspection of forged aluminum components.
Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or IATF 16949 quality systems.
Strong background in automation, robotics integration, or Industry 4.0 initiatives.
At Apex, we actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable to us, and we’re excited to see how you might contribute to our team. While we have outlined a set of qualifications for this role, we recognize that experience and skills can come from a variety of backgrounds. If you meet most of these qualifications and are eager to learn and grow with us, we invite you to apply.
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What’s in it for you
Shift : 1st Shift | Monday–Friday
Competitive salary at [insert pay range] depending on experience
Direct Hire position – you’ll be hired directly with our client!
Amazing benefits package once hired in permanently
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
401K with company match
Paid vacation and holidays
Opportunity to make a measurable impact on production efficiency and plant performance
What your day will look like
Lead process optimization projects for aluminum forging operations, focusing on improving cycle time, material utilization, and equipment performance.
Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions to reduce scrap, downtime, and defects.
Work cross-functionally with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop and optimize forging parameters such as temperature control, press tonnage, die lubrication, and forming speeds.
Use data-driven methodologies such as Six Sigma, SPC, and DOE (Design of Experiments) to evaluate and improve process capability.
Implement Lean Manufacturing principles to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and enhance throughput.
Partner with tooling engineers to enhance die life, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy.
Evaluate and recommend process automation and advanced manufacturing technologies to increase efficiency.
Document and standardize improved processes through work instructions, control plans, and training documentation.
Support new product launches and assist with process validation and PPAP submissions.
What we are looking for
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
3–7 years of experience in process engineering or continuous improvement within a metal forging, extrusion, or precision manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of aluminum metallurgy, forging principles, and heat treatment processes.
Proficient in Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, and statistical problem-solving tools.
Hands-on experience with process mapping, data collection, and equipment optimization.
Proven ability to drive results through collaboration and data-driven decision-making.
Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
Preferred Qualifications
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience with forging simulation software such as DEFORM or QForm.
Knowledge of CNC machining, finishing, and inspection of forged aluminum components.
Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or IATF 16949 quality systems.
Strong background in automation, robotics integration, or Industry 4.0 initiatives.
At Apex, we actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable to us, and we’re excited to see how you might contribute to our team. While we have outlined a set of qualifications for this role, we recognize that experience and skills can come from a variety of backgrounds. If you meet most of these qualifications and are eager to learn and grow with us, we invite you to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr