Operational Excellence Engineer

Company Description

WireCo® is the strength behind the world’s evolution, through deep legacy and forward thinking, we create premium ropes that inspire innovation without limits. WireCo® is headquartered in Prairie Village, Kansas with manufacturing plants, distribution facilities and research and development centers worldwide.  In Mexico, we have two facilities, one in Vallejo (Mexico City) and one in Cuautitlan (State of Mexico). Our brand in Mexico is CAMESA, and the Company's legal name is ACEROS CAMESA.

WireCo® offers a competitive salary, incentive programs, growth opportunities, and excellent benefits offerings for employees and their families. Benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental and vision insurance, a retirement plan and more.

For more information, check out our website at www.wireco.com.

Job Description

Role Description
The Operational Excellence Engineer is responsible for identifying and implementing improvements in systems and workflows in both, operational and transactional processes, to enhance quality, deliveries and productivity within the organization. This role requires a proactive problem-solver who can collaborate with different departments and drive change.

The Operational Excellence Engineer must exhibit and proactively motivate others in the behaviors of the WireCo Business System (WBS):

• Teamwork - welcomes an environment of inclusiveness and healthy debate that reflects our team’s strength
• Accountable – celebrates our successes, learn from failures, avoid excuses, and own the outcomes of our efforts
• Self-Aware – demonstrates an understanding of our strengths and needs, considering how our actions impact others
• Noble Intent – acts in the interests of others, approaching our work with integrity to ensure the best outcome
• Determined – takes initiative, share ideas and find solutions to win and achieve our goals
• Transparent – promotes open and honest communication and constructive feedback for clarity and truth
• Curious – seeks knowledge and outside input to test our way of thinking, challenging the status quo

Duties & Responsibilities

• Examines current processes to identify inefficiencies and areas to improve process-flow through the use of different tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Process-Flow Mapping, etc.
• Strongly supports plant leaders to develop and implement strategies from scratch to optimize operations, reduce cycle times and improve quality.
• Engages with stakeholders from various departments to understand their needs, challenges, and feedback. Works closely with them to align improvement initiatives with business goals.
• Provides training and guidance to employees on new Lean processes, Lean methodologies and best practices.
• Helps to coordinate local Lean Bootcamps, workshops and/or cultural-change Lean campaigns when required.
• Manages continuous improvement projects related to OpEx from inception to completion, including planning, execution and follow-ups.
• Continuously monitors Process Performance Indicators (PPIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure improvements are sustained. Identifies further opportunities for optimization.
• Prepares and presents reports on the effectiveness of process improvements to management and stakeholders whenever is required.
• Creates and maintains documentation of Operational Excellence processes, procedures, and improvements for future references. Makes sure these are aligned with the Quality Management System in place.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Metallurgical, or a related field) with a focus on Continuous Improvement processes.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a continuous improvement role, preferably in manufacturing environments (aerospace, automotive, etc.)
• Strong understanding and experience of Lean Manufacturing concepts and methodologies such as but not limited to:
  • 5S
  • 8 Wastes
  • Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
  • Problem Solving (5W+2H, 5 Whys, 8D’s, QRQC, etc.)
  • Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED)
  • Autonomous Maintenance
  • Andon
  • Kanban
  • Every Part Every Interval (EPEI, also commonly known as “Set-up wheels”)
  • Cycle time, Lead time, Takt time.
  • Line Balancing (+Yamazumi Charts)
  • First In First Out (FIFO)
  • Visual Management
  • Lean Daily Management system
  • Gemba walks
  • Leader Standard Work
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g., Excel, Power Point, etc.).
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and experience in maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations
• Experience on managing projects, defining clear tasks, assignees and dates. Involvement on constant follow ups with the group(s) he’s leading or co-leading.
• English level of minimum B1, capable to sustain a day-to-day conversation without any problem.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green or Black belt certifications.
• Advanced English
• Experience working on environments where the implementation of Continuous Improvement activities needs to be done from the ground up.
• Familiarity on metallurgical processes such as Wire Rope stranding or closing.
• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or related experience.

Additional Information

Materials and Equipment Directly Used

• Standard office equipment such as computers, keyboard, mouse and copiers.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed safety shoes

Additional Information

• All applicants will be considered
• All application materials must be submitted in English
• Must be legally able to work in Mexico without restriction
• Applicants must undergo a satisfactory background check post-offer of employment. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant.
• Must be willing and able to pass a post-offer drug screening and physical examination (if required)
• Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability/ Gender