Job description
NovaForge Industries is seeking a results-driven Manufacturing Engineer to join our growing team in Chicago. This role focuses on optimizing production lines, reducing waste, and elevating product quality across our metal fabrication and assembly operations.
As a key member of the Operations team, you will collaborate with design, quality, and maintenance to implement data-driven improvements that boost throughput, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
What you’ll do is enable scalable manufacturing excellence by applying lean principles, conducting root-cause analysis, and delivering clear, measurable impact on cost, lead time, and safety.
Responsibility
- Lead and execute continuous improvement projects across production lines to reduce cycle time, scrap, and downtime.
- Analyze process flows, implement standardized work, and optimize line balancing for maximum throughput.
- Utilize data analytics (SPC, DOE, MSA) to identify root causes and verify gains with robust validation.
- Collaborate with design engineers and maintenance to implement changes that improve reliability and robustness of equipment and processes.
- Develop and manage capital projects, including cost estimates, timelines, risk assessments, and post-implementation reviews.
- Support safety and quality initiatives by implementing standardized procedures and training operators on best practices.
- Lead a culture of continuous improvement by mentoring operators and coordinating cross-functional teams.
- Prepare and present performance metrics to leadership, highlighting progress, risks, and opportunities.
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of manufacturing or operations engineering experience in a high-mix, high-volume environment.
- Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, SPC, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks or equivalent) and MES/ERP systems; experience with data analytics tools (Excel, Power BI, Python/R a plus).
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
- Excellent communication skills, cross-functional collaboration, and change-management capabilities.
- Knowledge of safety and quality standards (ISO, TS) and experience leading audits or process validations.