Industrial Engineer/Analyst in Dunkirk, New York at Universal Stainless

Department: Manufacturing / Process Improvement

Reports To: Dunkirk General Manager

Key Interfaces: Operations, Technology, Quality, Accounting, Production Control, and Management Team Members

The Project Engineer / Analyst is a developmental role focused on driving steel manufacturing process improvements through data analytics, business applications, and Lean manufacturing strategies. This position serves as a bridge between technical data systems and operational execution—developing analytical tools, facilitating Lean/Kaizen initiatives, and leading multidisciplinary project teams to improve productivity, product quality, and safety.

• Lean Execution: Apply Lean principles to eliminate waste, improve On-Time Delivery (OTD), reduce cycle times, and establish new work standards for machinery, processes, and personnel.

• Kaizen Facilitation: Lead Kaizen events and focused continuous improvement initiatives across all shifts alongside Manufacturing Supervisors and Operators.

• Culture & Coaching: Build a Lean culture through "Learn by Doing" coaching and Train-the-Trainer methodologies to build department self-sufficiency.

• Metrics & Dashboards: Develop visual metrics and performance dashboards to track KPIs and identify operational gaps plant-wide.

• Process Analysis: Leverage existing data systems, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Level 2 (L2) automation data collection to analyze and improve process capability and product quality.

• Database & Software Maintenance: Troubleshoot, refine, and improve plant databases and analytical tools.

• User Support & Training: Provide training, documentation, and technical support to system end-users across all plant departments (with occasional off-hours/fill-in support).

• Project Planning: Define project scopes, timelines, budgets, staffing allocations, and resource requirements.

• Team Coordination: Direct project staff, assign duties, monitor progress against milestones/budgets, and resolve technical issues.

• Management Reporting: Prepare project status reports and executive presentations for management and stakeholders.

• Maintain a plant culture that prioritizes employee health and safety above all operational goals.

• Enforce strict compliance with safety rules, procedures, and PPE requirements while actively recommending safety enhancements.

• Lean Manufacturing Mastery: Deep understanding of Lean tools (5S, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, SMED, etc.) to drive quantifiable productivity and cost savings.

• Technical & Analytical Aptitude: Proficiency in SPC, database/software troubleshooting, and automated data collection systems (L2 automation).

• Project Leadership: Strong skills in project scoping, resource allocation, schedule tracking, and managing cross-functional teams.

• Communication & Collaboration: Superior written/verbal communication skills with proven ability to craft executive presentations and engage with all plant levels.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure under pressure.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.- Preferred

• Experience:

  • Minimum 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.

  • Minimum 2 years of related engineering, data analysis, or process improvement experience.