Manufacturing Engineer

B UILT TO CONNECT  

At Astec, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of building long-lasting relationships with our employees,  customers and the communities we call home. With a  team more than 4,000 strong, our employees are our #1 advantage. We invest in skills training and provide opportunities for career development to help you grow along with the business. We offer programs that support physical safety, as well as benefits and resources to enhance total health and wellbeing, so you can be your best at work and at home.  

Our equipment is used to build the roads and infrastructure that  connects us to each other and to the goods and services we use. We are an industry leader known for delivering innovative solutions that create value for our customers. As our industry evolves, we are using  new technology and data like never before.  

We’re looking for creative problem solvers to build the future with us. Connect with us today and build your career at Astec.  

LOCATION:  Chattanooga, Tennessee

ABOUT THE POSITION  

Primary Process Owner focused on  identifying waste , improving safety, quality, productivity, and cost through structured lean methodologies. The role partners  closely with manufacturing, engineering, quality,  OpEx , PMO and safety teams to develop efficient, repeatable, and reliable manufacturing processes.  The Manufacturing Engineer also  drives DFM and VAVE initiatives, leads capital projects , and develops solutions that enhance operational performance and long-term competitiveness.  

Deliverables  &  Responsibilities  

• Identify and implement  safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvement o pportunities using lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen,  process and  value-stream mapping,  and time studies.  

• Lead cross-functional events to  eliminate waste, improve material flow, and  optimize workforce  utilization , space, and equipment usage.  

• Develop and  maintain standard work, process documentation, and visual controls to ensure  sustainable process improvements.  

• Drive continuous improvement activities aligned with plant KPIs and operational priorities.  

• Collaborate with design  engineering and manufacturing to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM)and Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE)  improvements .  

• Support new product introductions through process planning and production readiness.  

• Lead capital equipment projects, including scope definition, vendor evaluation, budgeting, and timeline management.  

• Prepare and present business cases with ROI, payback, and risk assessments.  

• Lead project execution from kickoff through installation and operational handoff.  

• Develop  equipment concepts, specifications, and vendor RFQs.  

• Lead FAT/SAT, installation, validation, and integration.  

• Works with manufacturing to analyze and plan work force  utilization , space requirements, material routing and handling methods, manufacturing processes and methods, machine and tool design applications, workflow and  new technology and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency,  safety and quality.  

• Estimates production times, capacity  requirements and related costs to provide information for management decisions and to meet completion dates and technical specifications.  

• Applies statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential.  

• Support the transition of new product introductions from engineering to manufacturing, including capacity analysis, process  robustness and process validations.  

• Develops and  maintains the manufacturing  process work instructions and assembly tooling that are  initiated by product design or method improvement changes.  

• Specify new equipment and design required fixtures, jigs and tooling needed to meet production and quality requirements.  

• Prepares and makes presentations to individuals and groups using Microsoft Office applications.  

• Follows company policies and procedures at all times .  

• Follows proper safety rules and procedures at all times.  

• Performs special  projects other duties as assigned.  

To be successful in this role, you r experience and competencies are:  

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering or related field  required .  

• Minimum of three (3) years related work experience in a manufacturing environment  required with a demonstrated understanding of heavy machinery manufacturing processes.  

• Experience  leading  automation and robotics   projects  preferred.  

• Knowledge of LEAN methods used in manufacturing processes  required .  

• Knowledge of all types of metal-cutting processes,  to include punch, plasma, and flame cutting  preferred.  

• Knowledge of engineering/manufacturing system of symbols, legends,  shading and lines  required and skill reading engineering drawings  required .  

• Knowledge and understanding of nesting software for material optimization preferred.  

• Must be able to collaborate and  facilitate cross functional teams to influence and manage change in a heavy manufacturing, multi-shift work environment.  

• Must be able to meet regular attendance requirements.  

Our Culture and Values  

Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.  

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers  

• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business  

• Respect for all individuals  

• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation  

• Safety,  quality and productivity as means to ensure success  

Travel Requirements: 10% of travel, regional, international  

W ORK ENVIRONMENT   

Manufacturing Environment  

Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles,  welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock .   The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures .   The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY  EMPLOYER  

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.