Lean Manufacturing Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

About us

Chandler Industries is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in precision machining, EDM, sheet metal fabrication, and a range of value-added services. We excel in providing exceptional value through responsive customer service, technical expertise, and innovative lean manufacturing practices. Our commitment to delivering world-class quality and on-time performance has made us a trusted partner for our customers. Chandler operates five divisions, including four in Minnesota—Blaine, Long Prairie, Montevideo, and Wyoming—and one in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.

About the job

Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors related to the specific position. These may include skills, relevant experience, education, internal equity, business needs, and local market conditions. While the full range is shared for transparency, offers are rarely made at the minimum or maximum of the range.

Chandler offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their dependents. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a 401(k) plan with company match; and a range of supplemental benefit options. In addition, eligible employees receive paid holidays and paid time off.

Summary:

This individual is responsible for driving new product introduction from feasibility through prototype and into production, continuous improvement, and LEAN manufacturing techniques to meet customer specifications.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Technical support resource for ongoing/day-to-day manufacturing operations and continuous improvement programs.
• Supports new product estimators throughout the quoting process to establish labor, equipment, tooling, and cost estimates.
• Participates in New Product Introduction and Engineering Change Notice reviews identify risks, resources, equipment, processes, capacity, measurements, and cost associated product manufacturing. Project coordinator from acceptance of quote through to final production. Records for evidence that realization process and resulting product meet requirements.
• Responsible to enter/create all methods of manufacturing, and controlling revision levels of parts and review and interpret associated specification into the MRP/ERP system. Create job routers, Bills of Material, and develop approved rework procedures and work instructions.
• Coordinate CNC programming, cutting tool selection, tool list generation, fixture design, and inspection plans with internal teams. Coordinate with procurement team on source selection/changes, and performs cost analysis for tooling, machinery, and equipment resulting in new or improved manufacturing methods.
• Assists in the analysis and planning of work force utilization, space requirement, workflow, and layout design of equipment and workspace.
• Coordinate pre-production and testing with production teams resolving any non-conformances, quality, and productivity issues.
• Provide customer interface and expertise to proactively assure requirements are understood and satisfied. Work collaboratively with customers and quality management team to identify quality gaps, corrective action resolution, and continued improvement with performance is achieved to meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Represent Engineering team on cross-functional teams.
• Utilize programs, such as lean/six sigma, continuous improvement, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) to identify best practices and drive productivity and quality improvements throughout the organization including process flow, eliminate waste, and reduce costs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and coordinating opportunities for reducing manufacturing set-up time, cycle time, labor hours, and WIP.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Experience (Minimum requirements in terms of educational background, work experience, licenses/certifications or other knowledge, skills, and abilities).

• Technical or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent degree.
• Minimum 3 - 5 years of applicable experience.
• Advanced skill in Solid works.
• Knowledge of CNC machining/programming (milling, turning, and EDM), fabrication, welding, and assembly operations. Knowledge of cutting tools, fixture design, and coolant requirements.
• Knowledge of GD&T and blueprint reading.
• Knowledge of outside processing, example is Anodize, Electropolish, Electroless nickel, Heat treating, paint etc…
• Possess knowledge and have a good understanding of ASTM, SAE and Mil specs.
• Knowledge of material used in medical component manufacturing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the interpretation and use of engineering design drawings and technical specifications.
• Ability to develop and design machining processes, procedures, and control techniques from customer design inception to final production.
• Strong knowledge, application and operation of metrology gauges, instruments, and equipment including the selection according to the feature of characteristics to be measured, applicable tolerance/accuracy, and the resolution/capability of the test instrument.
• Expertise with statistical process control methods, monitoring and control, data and defect analysis, variance reduction, and capability analysis. Understanding of Process FMEAs and control plans.
• Comprehensive knowledge of quality at the source techniques, root cause analysis, corrective action, continuous improvement, lean and six sigma.
• Strong organizational and project management skills. Demonstrated experience successfully leading projects resulting in measurable improvements (continual in-process and preventative).
• Experience with capacity planning, equipment selection, and application of automated work cells (robotics / mechatronics for part handling and specialty processing).
• Ability to identify and evaluate complex, ambiguous technical issues and provide well thought out solutions.
• Ability to quickly grasp the complexities of disparate quality issues and assist staff in solving technical issues to effectively meet customer needs.
• Attention to data, detail, and thoroughness in completing work tasks.
• Proficient reading, writing, oral communication, and comprehension in English language.
• Knowledge and working experience with MS Office, (Word, Excel, Power-Point, Project), CAD/CAM. Knowledge of computer integrated manufacturing software including accessing and retrieving information using the computer.
• This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All employees must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Additional Skills and Experience (Preferred or helpful)

• Experience working in the Aerospace, Medical or other highly regulated industry.
• ISO13485, ISO9001, AS9100 and NADCAP experience.
• Knowledge of ERP software (Epicor), CAD/CAM Software (SurfCAM, Mastercam, Esprit, SolidWorks), and PDM software.
• Six Sigma Green Belt is highly desirable.
• SME Certified Manufacturing Engineer or Technologist is highly desirable.