The Production Process Specialist supports the Production and Process Manager in the daily operation of a powdered metal manufacturing facility. This position helps coordinate production activities, monitors manufacturing performance, maintains production records, assists with process improvement initiatives, and works closely with supervisors, quality, maintenance, engineering, and scheduling to ensure production goals are achieved safely, efficiently, and with the highest quality standards.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Assist the Production / Process Manager in planning, coordinating, and monitoring daily manufacturing operations.
- Track production schedules and communicate priorities to production supervisors and team leaders.
- Collect, analyze, and report production data including output, downtime, scrap, OEE, labor efficiency, and machine utilization.
- Maintain production reports, process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
- Monitor production performance and identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
- Assist in troubleshooting production and process issues involving powder blending, compaction, sintering.
- Coordinate with Quality Assurance to investigate product nonconformances and implement corrective actions.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and root cause analysis methodologies.
- Assist in implementing and maintaining process controls to ensure consistent product quality.
- Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and production supplies and communicate replenishment needs.
- Coordinate production changes, engineering trials, and new product launches.
- Ensure production documentation with internal quality requirements.
- Support employee training by updating work instructions and assisting with process documentation.
- Promote and enforce company safety policies and OSHA requirements.
- Participate in safety meetings, audits, and continuous improvement events.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Two or more years of manufacturing experience preferred.
- Experience in powdered metal, metalworking, automotive, machining, or industrial manufacturing is highly desirable.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems is preferred.
Required Knowledge and Skills
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and production scheduling.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to analyze production data and identify trends.
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Experience using ERP or manufacturing software.
- Ability to read manufacturing drawings and process documentation.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement techniques.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
Preferred Knowledge
- Metal manufacturing processes
- Material blending
- Mechanical press operations
- Sintering furnaces
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Process capability studies
- Root Cause Analysis
- ISO 9001 quality systems
Physical Requirements
- Ability to walk throughout the manufacturing facility for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand, bend, and climb stairs as necessary.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, heat, and moving equipment while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Working Conditions
This position is primarily based in a manufacturing environment with regular interaction on the production floor. The employee must be comfortable working around industrial equipment and following all company safety procedures.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
