The objective of this position is to supervise and mentor a team of Machinists and Manufacturing Engineers to support defined initiatives and to develop partnerships with all functions of BSE Operations, with the primary function to improve overall manufacturing capabilities through DFM and Continuous Improvement projects. This position is needed to lead, and expand the capabilities of the Bal Seal Engineering (BSE) Machine Shop and manage Manufacturing priorities. Candidates will schedule, set resource priorities, and manage personnel. This is a typical Manufacturing Engineering role that requires a "hands-on" approach to actively support day to day production needs such as resolving production issues, reviewing Bills of Materials, Routers, costing, Engineering Change Orders and Engineering Orders. To implement process improvement, as well as sustaining and development initiatives (including tools, jigs, fixtures and manual machines). The incumbent will look for continuous improvement opportunities and support projects focused on the maintenance, upgrading, specification of, and installation of machines and equipment.
Operating as an independent division of the Bloomfield, CT-based Kaman Corporation, Bal Seal Engineering is "a Kaman company." This structure allows us to remain agile and entrepreneurial as we leverage our parent company's scale, resources, and complementary capabilities. We're proud to be part of Kaman, a company with a past so similar to our own, and a commitment to positively shaping the future.
About Bal Seal: Bal Seal Engineering delivers advanced sealing, connecting, and contact solutions that serve medical, aerospace, energy, and industrial markets. Our proprietary spring-energized seals and electrical contacts help customers achieve precision, efficiency, and reliability. Employees thrive in a culture that values craftsmanship, technical mastery, and close partnership with customers solving complex challenges
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Accountable for providing leadership and direction to the Manufacturing Engineering and Machine Shop teams
Develop, manage, mentor and evaluate employee performance throughout the year
Development of resource plans to support Key Objectives, Initiatives & production goals
Communicate and interface regularly with key stakeholders and employees throughout the BSE organization
Closely partner with Operations and Quality Assurance to improve overall process capability and quality of manufactured components and assemblies
Provide a "bridge" between Production and Engineering functions
Implement, monitor, develop and improve Manufacturing Engineering and Machine Shop KPIs
Establish and manage inventory of spare parts for equipment in the Machine Shop
Mentor lower-level engineers and serve as a resource to share knowledge with the engineering team and the rest of the company
Review designs for manufacturability and cost (DFM/A)
Responsible for design and/or sourcing, validation, and qualification of new manufacturing equipment
Review and Interpretation of engineering drawings per ASME Y14.5
Ability to drive to root cause, provide short and long-term corrective solutions
Develop and support CI Initiatives
Provide troubleshooting assistance and support for Engineering and Operations as necessary
May be required to establish routings, BoMs, processes, layouts, tools, costs, and labor standards for manufacturing processes. Development of supporting documentation including PFMEAs, drawings, work instructions, procedures, tools/jigs/fixtures, and processes to support new product introduction. Documentation of legacy production equipment and "tribal knowledge" processes
May be required to review, initiate and assess Engineering Change Orders, Engineering Orders, drawing and process deviations
Perform other related duties as assigned
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical degree
Other technical qualifications and/or a demonstrated minimum 10 years' experience in a similar technical environment may be considered
6-Sigma Green or Black Belt certification desired
Experience:
Minimum 7 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience
Minimum 3 years' experience leading high performance teams
Experience leading large cross-functional Continuous Improvement / Lean initiatives, developing and implementing Process Capability studies
Experience interfacing with ERP/MRP and PLM/PDM Systems
Experience with assembly or manufacturing shop floor
Experience overseeing and approving DFMA reviews and approval of engineering drawings
Experience with machining small and medium sized precision components made from a variety of polymers and metals preferred
Experience with Laser welding processes and techniques a plus
Experience with 3D modeling software Solidworks and/or Inventor preferred
Experience working with suppliers to improve processes and/or understand and document industry standards
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Working Knowledge of GD&T interpretation and implementation per ASME Y14.5
Base knowledge in inspection tools and methods
In depth knowledge of Manufacturing Methods and Processes
Working knowledge of statistical process control, ability to understand and utilize statistical analysis software a plus
Ability to effectively and safely utilize various hand and power tools
Knowledge of machine elements (i.e. fasteners, bearings, gear and belt drive etc.)
Must be able to work in a highly collaborative environment
Must be hands on and interface with plant personnel and operators
Ability to identify and solve problems with little direction or assistance
Ability to utilize ERP/MRP and PLM/PDM systems
Working knowledge of and ability to utilize CAD systems
Proficiency in conflict resolution
Base knowledge of metallurgy (i.e. material strength, hardness, machinability, heat treatment processes)
Strong Project Management skills
Strong computer and analytical skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Up to 5% travel required to BSE facilities and/or trade shows
Physical Requirements:
Employee is occasionally required to stand
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk throughout the facility
This position is mainly sedentary; Therefore, required to sit
Occasionally will need to bend, stoop and squat
Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
Required to reach with hands and arms to handle documents and products
Must be able to enter data into a computer by use of a keyboard and mouse
Work Environment:
The work environment conditions are typical of a manufacturing environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the basic functions. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to moderate, however, hearing protection may be required if employee enters high noise areas as a part of their normal job duties.
Benefits:
At Bal Seal Engineering, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.
Bal Seal Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.
This position requires using information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
