Material Flow Engineer

The Material Flow Engineer is responsible for designing and optimizing the movement of raw materials and work-in-progress (WIP) within a manufacturing plant. This role includes developing end-to-end material flow solutions, from initial concept through the detailed handoff to Operations. Key areas of focus include inbound loading areas, labor estimation for material handling, equipment recommendations for forklift-free operations, and efficient lineside space utilization.

Responsibilities

Design, prototype, and implement material flow options within the plant; Incorporate visual signals into kitting operations to streamline material handling; Develop end-to-end material flow designs covering the entire Bill of Materials, optimizing factory space, labor, and throughput; Design and implement an engineered dock-to-point-of-use material handling process, including dock door utilization, transport mode, transport paths, line-side locations, and returns cycle and path; Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Packaging, and Supply Chain teams to integrate design for manufacturability in early program phases; Lead process designs for both high-volume production lines and low-volume, high-mix environments; Innovate material flow strategies across all production lines to enhance efficiency and safety; Develop and refine models for labor prediction, warehouse space needs, and material handling equipment; Participate in early project planning documents, such as project timelines, RFQs, FMEAs, and Safety Risk Assessments; Conduct line design reviews, establish cycle time plans, and optimize general line layouts; Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, and efficiency metrics during factory design

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; 2 years of experience in a similar engineering role within manufacturing or distribution, with knowledge of safety practices, quality control, preventative maintenance, and facility layouts; Experience in Lean principles; Proficiency in CAD, Oracle/SAP/MES for transactions related to control cycles, material tracking, and movements; Proficiency in Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, Minitab, and Project; Experience in line and process design, material presentation, and visual management tools

Nice to have

Lean Black Belt certification; AutoCAD

Benefits

Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more; Many employee activities; Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, to gather together and enjoy their time with their families and co-workers; Pride: when a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion; We believe in having fun, with events including Fun Days; Every day is Jeans Day; Product loan and discount programs