Industrial Engineer
SP Associates, Inc. - Hazlehurst
Work at SP Associates, Inc.
Overview
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Overview
Job Title: Industrial Engineer
Location: Hazlehurst, GA
Reports to: Engineering Manager / Plant Manager
Department: Engineering / Operations
Position Summary
The Industrial Engineer will play a key role in optimizing production systems, improving manufacturing efficiency, and supporting the scale-up of innovative composites and technical fabric technologies. This role focuses on analyzing workflows, designing efficient layouts, reducing waste, and implementing data-driven process improvements to maximize quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in manufacturing engineering principles, hands-on experience in a textile or composite materials environment, and a proactive mindset for continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Process Optimization
- Analyze current manufacturing workflows, time studies, and production data to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
- Design and implement process changes to reduce cycle time, material waste, and labor costs without compromising quality or safety.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and visual aids to support operational consistency.
- Production Layout & Capacity Planning
- Design and optimize facility and equipment layouts to improve material flow and operator ergonomics.
- Collaborate with plant and production managers on space utilization, equipment upgrades, and capacity planning initiatives.
- Data Analysis & Metrics
- Use Lean tools, Six Sigma methodology, and statistical analysis (SPC, DOE) to track performance and support continuous improvement projects.
- Collect and analyze production metrics (OEE, throughput, yield) to support decision-making and cost reduction strategies.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with R&D, Quality, and Maintenance teams to ensure processes are scalable and sustainable.
- Assist in new product introduction (NPI) and process validation for new composites or technical fabric lines.
- Sustainability & Innovation
- Identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption, scrap, and environmental impact across operations.
- Support innovation initiatives focused on advanced materials and next-generation manufacturing techniques.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Textile Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of industrial engineering experience in a manufacturing environment (preferably textiles, composites, or technical materials).
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement tools.
- Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and ERP/MRP systems.
Preferred:
- Experience in textile processes such as weaving, lamination, coating, or fiber-reinforced composites.
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
- Experience with time studies, PFMEA, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.
Working Conditions
- Primarily on-site in a manufacturing facility with occasional travel to suppliers, vendors, or off-site production units.
- Requires the ability to analyze production lines, interact with shop floor teams, and oversee improvement initiatives in real-time.