Industrial Engineer (Rochester)

You don't just identify manufacturing problems. You get on the floor, figure out what's slowing production down, and make the changes that keep things moving. Ready to take ownership of improvements that make a real difference?

Job Summary

We're hiring an Industrial Engineer to lead continuous improvement initiatives, optimize manufacturing processes, and improve production efficiency at our facility in Cresco, IA. You'll identify bottlenecks, streamline material flow, improve labor utilization, and implement practical solutions that deliver measurable results.

This is a hands-on role for someone who understands both the engineering and operational sides of manufacturing. You'll work directly with production teams, troubleshoot equipment and process challenges, and take ownership of improvements from initial analysis through implementation and long-term sustainability.

Beyond technical execution, you'll lead industrial engineering operators and technicians, collaborate with site leadership, and help build a culture of continuous improvement across our operations.

What You'll Do

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean methodologies, including 5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, standard work, and 8D problem-solving to eliminate waste and improve productivity.
• Identify production bottlenecks and optimize labor efficiency, capacity, equipment layouts, material flow, and manufacturing processes while considering their impact across the entire operation.
• Work directly on the production floor to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges involving machinery, CNC processes, tooling, fixtures, and production workflows, implementing practical solutions that deliver lasting improvements.
• Lead and develop industrial engineering operators and technicians while partnering with supervisors and site leadership to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage capital equipment projects, including equipment layout and design, vendor selection, procurement, and implementation, to improve manufacturing capabilities and operational efficiency.
• Develop capacity models, production planning tools, and time standards while tracking improvement projects, measuring results, and ensuring changes are sustained.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of industrial engineering experience, including at least 3 years of management experience.
• Proven ability to take ownership of manufacturing challenges, work independently, adapt to changing priorities, and implement improvements directly on the production floor.
• Strong industrial engineering and systems-thinking skills, including bottleneck analysis, labor efficiency, capacity planning, facility layouts, material flow, and production optimization.
• Hands-on manufacturing engineering aptitude, with experience working with machinery, CNC programming, tooling, fixtures, and process troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, root cause analysis, and practical problem-solving.
• Experience leading teams, managing improvement projects, and collaborating with manufacturing and operations leadership.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to drive change and sustain improvements across teams.

You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful manufacturing improvements, work closely with production and leadership teams, and directly influence how our facility performs. We're looking for someone who enjoys being where the work happens, understands how manufacturing systems connect, and takes pride in making improvements that last.

If you're ready to combine your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership experience to make a lasting impact on manufacturing performance, apply today and help us build a more efficient operation.