Data Science Jobs in Lafayette, IN (NOW HIRING)

The Data Analyst – Manufacturing is responsible for analyzing production and operational data to support efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality manufacturing processes. This role combines data analytics with process improvement practices to identify opportunities for increased productivity, reduced waste, and improved performance across operations. The position supports a proactive, data-driven approach to decision-making within the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collect, validate, and analyze data from manufacturing systems, including production equipment, ERP systems, quality systems, and other operational sources
• Evaluate current work processes to determine workflow, time requirements, cost drivers, and production durations
• Identify process inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement using data analysis and established engineering methods
• Develop and implement strategies and programs to improve productivity, efficiency, and overall operational performance
• Support process optimization efforts by analyzing workflows and recommending improvements to increase throughput and reduce waste
• Assist in determining optimal process settings and operational parameters to improve output and control costs
• Analyze equipment performance data to support predictive maintenance efforts and reduce unplanned downtime
• Work with maintenance and operations teams to identify trends and recommend preventative actions to extend equipment life
• Analyze quality data to identify defect patterns and root causes
• Instruct and support employees in continuous improvement efforts, including process mapping, root cause analysis, and cost/time analysis techniques
• Facilitate team-based improvement activities to strengthen collaboration and improve results
• Develop and coordinate programs to recognize and reward employee contributions to process improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Analytics, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Economics, or a related field
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools; experience with SQL, or similar systems preferred
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret data and provide practical, actionable recommendations
• Effective communication and training skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.

Math Ability:

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills:

Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required.

Certificates and Licenses:

No certifications needed

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); work in high, precarious places; outdoor weather conditions and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, occasionally loud or very loud.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Color Vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.