Worker Type
Contractor
Job Description
Summary
The Industrial Engineer III is responsible for analyzing, designing, and optimizing manufacturing processes and systems to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality. This role involves a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and project management capabilities to drive continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. This role involves collaborating with internal and external teams to develop and implement new manufacturing processes and technologies.
Position Responsibilities
Analyze existing production processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and potential areas for improvement.
Experience with ramping up production volumes from low initial rates to higher volume full rate productions with demonstrated success.
Develop and implement process improvements using Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
Implement and manage lean application development at site level, including but not limited to training on lean tools, assessments, and site development action plans.
Generate value stream maps, identify opportunities for improvement, manage improvement plan.
Develop capacity models for new and current production processes. Analyze and maintain models after improvements. Experience with Digital Twin Simulation software for modeling, scenario management, and optimization of factory processes.
Develop and execute the strategy for visual management and real-time data display across the manufacturing facility, aligning with overall business objectives and strategies. Standardize the visual reporting practices and ensure consistency across all production lines and shifts.
Analyze KPI trends and provide actionable insights to management and floor supervisors to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Foster a culture of accountability by empowering teams to use data to make decisions and take action.
Conduct time studies and waste observations to optimize workflow and enhance production efficiency.
Determine and track associated cost savings for improvements.
Design and optimize manufacturing layouts for maximum efficiency, considering material flow, equipment placement, and ergonomic factors. Utilize software for designing manufacturing plant layouts.
Work with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain, to drive continuous improvement projects and Kaizen. Ensure sustainment of projects by monitoring relevant KPIs.
Lead and facilitate Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement within the manufacturing environment.
Facilitate brainstorming sessions, encourage participation from all team members, and stimulate discussions.
Implement best practices and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency in production processes.
Use data driven analysis tools to perform root cause analysis and drive corrective actions.
Provide training and support to production staff on new processes and technologies. Draft visual and/or job aids to support learning.
Use project management tools to track progress, manage resources, and communicate project status to stakeholders.
Act as a change agent promoting continuous improvement.
Mentor and assist others in professional development.
Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor's degree required in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
5+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.
Advanced understanding in Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
Ability to work at a minimum of 80% of the time on the production floor.
Experience with simulation software (e.g., SIMIO) and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past deliverables.
Ability to proto@type and iterate on visual designs.
Experience with 3D printing software, equipment, and materials.
Strong data analysis skills, with proficiency in using tools such as Minitab, Excel, and SQL.
Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and compliance with industry standards such as ISO 9001.
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Displays strong initiative, drive to accomplish goals, and meet company objectives.
Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
Strong computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity tools.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Works well with little or no supervision and exercises independent judgement on a regular basis.
Physical Demands
Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 50 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.
May require travel to sites/program and special functions
Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance
Work is in an office and manufacturing environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.
Special Requirements
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.
Clearance Level
No Clearance
AeroVironment considers several factors, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.
ITAR Requirement:
T_ _his position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits .
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
Who We Are
Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we've been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC.
Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed.
What We Do
Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR
U.S. Citizenship required
About AV:
AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.
We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.
If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.
Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)
