Layout Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Manufacturing / Industrial Engineer – Production Line Design & Launch
This role designs, lays out, and helps build production lines and manufacturing cells to meet safety,
quality, delivery, and cost targets. The engineer develops the line concept through launch by
defining process flow, staffing/standard work, material presentation (Kanban), tooling/equipment
needs, and capacity plans. Success requires hands-on shop-floor engagement, time studies/work
measurement, line balancing, and cross-functional coordination with Operations, Quality,
Maintenance, EHS, and Supply Chain.
Key Responsibilities
 Design production lines/cells: define process sequence, station content, equipment/tooling
requirements, and ergonomic workstation concepts.
 Develop layout options (2D/3D as applicable) to optimize flow, space utilization, safety, and
serviceability; support utilities planning (power, air, vacuum, network) and footprint
constraints.
 Conduct time studies and work measurement to establish cycle times, standard work, and
staffing models; determine takt-based capacity and line rate.
 Perform line balancing and Yamazumi (as applicable) to distribute work evenly and reduce
bottlenecks; validate labor assumptions through trials.
 Implement material flow and replenishment systems: Kanban sizing, min/max, supermarket
concepts, point-of-use presentation, and pull signals integrated with the warehouse/stores
team.
 Define standard work and work instructions for each station including quality checkpoints,
torque/spec limits, error-proofing steps, and safety requirements.
 Partner with Quality on control plans, inspection methods, and process capability; ensure
the line design supports first-pass yield goals.
 Coordinate with Maintenance for PM needs, spare parts, access, and reliability
considerations;
 Drive continuous improvement post-launch using data (scrap, downtime, rework, cycle time)
and Lean tools (5S, VSM, Kaizen).
Required Qualifications
 Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
 6+ years of experience in a manufacturing/plant environment supporting line design,
industrial engineering, or production launch activities.

 Strong understanding of Lean concepts including Kanban/pull systems, standard work, 5S,
waste identification, and basic value stream mapping.
 Demonstrated ability to perform time studies/work measurement and translate results into
staffing, line balance, and capacity recommendations.
 Experience creating layouts and flow diagrams; ability to evaluate alternatives with data
(distance, WIP, throughput, safety/ergonomics).
 Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (analysis), PowerPoint (communication), and Word
(documentation); ability to work cross-functionally and drive action to closure.
Preferred Qualifications
 Experience with AutoCAD (or similar) and/or 3D layout tools; ability to produce shop-floor-
ready layouts and area plans.
 Experience with ERP/MES and material replenishment processes; familiarity with eKanban
systems is a plus.
 Knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, process validation, and launch readiness checklists.
 Six Sigma (Green Belt) or formal problem-solving (A3, 8D) experience.
Deliverables & Success Measures
 Approved line/cell layout package (flow, station plan, material presentation, utilities,
safety/guarding considerations).
 Standard work and staffing plan supported by time studies; balanced line meeting takt and
throughput targets.
 Kanban design (card quantities/min-max, locations, replenishment routes) that sustains
target WIP and reduces stockouts/expedites.
 Launch readiness: successful pilot/ramp with stable cycle times, improved first-pass yield,
and reduced rework.
 Documented handoff to Operations/Maintenance (training, PM needs, spare parts,
changeover/setup instructions).