Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer

BUILT TO CONNECTAt 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.ABOUT THE POSITIONContinuous Improvement engineer works with CI team and develop fact based solutions for field issues and implements solid solutions based on 8D process. In addition lead cost reduction efforts and provide engineering support other departments as needed.Deliverables & ResponsibilitiesLead a cross functional to develop solution for field and warranty issues.Work with product support teams to ensure issues are communicated and addressed.Work with Quality Improvement teams to contain field quality issues inproduction.Work with Continuous Improvement engineering to determine testing requirements for cost reduction projectsLead the QIT team in developing cost reduction projects.Assist with custom designs requested.Work with Product Procurement team with product issues.Work with Product Management Team with special product specificationsWork with test engineers to produce test reports to communicate data, conclusions, and recommendations to other functional areas of projects that will positively affect outcomesFollow and actively support all company policies and procedures, to include a primary emphasis on safe operationsFollow Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity program guidelines at all timesFollow proper safety procedures at all timesWear personal protective equipment as requiredClean work area dailyPerform other duties as assignedTo be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:Three (3) years' experience in Mechanical engineering roleFour-year Mechanical engineering degree from accredited universityAbility to work satisfactorily as a team member and communicate with all levels within the companyGood communication skills (both verbal and written)Ability to operate a personal computer and be familiar with Microsoft Office Suite software applicationsAbility to handle sudden changes in project/priority and multiple tasks simultaneously in a positive fashionAbility to set, adjust and change daily prioritiesAbility to manage conflict and resolve issues in the most positive fashion for all parties concernedAbility to identify problems or potential problems at a functional level and make or recommend decisions to resolve the sameProjects strong leadership skillsGood organization and time-management skillsWillingness to accept responsibility and take on new challengesAbility to use calculator and other standard office equipment (fax, copier, scanner, etc.)Ability to influence others via communication to get desired resultsAccurate data entry/typing and proofreading skillsAbility to exercise discretion and independent judgment on a customary and regular basisAbility to troubleshoot, correct and properly document issues on shop floor is a MUSTAbility to accurately read and interpret a tape measure, engineering drawings and bills of material (BOMs)Skill in working efficiently and accurately to keep up with production requirements and stay productive with little supervisionAbility to handle multiple projects with multiple prioritiesAbility to handle sudden changes in project/priorityProficiency in the use of a personal computer and AutoCAD, Excel and Word software applicationsCapacity to learn quickly, think independently and problem solve with or without guidance provided by SupervisorFlexible and adaptable in coping with pressures, deadlines, and rapidly changing situationsAbility to handle sudden changes in project/priority and multiple tasks simultaneously in a positive fashionWillingness to accept responsibility and take on new challengesAbility to influence others via communication to get desired resultsAbility to exercise discretion and independent judgement on a customary and regular basisMaintain positive, cooperative working relationships by working, acting, and communicating with various personalities getting along with customers, vendors, co-workers and management working both individually and as part of a teamMust express criticisms and concerns in a way that promotes teamwork and a positive work environmentPREFERENCESKnowledge and application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA)OTHER REQUIREMENTSEighteen (18) years of age or olderPre-employment drug screen, physical and background checkDependabilityWillingness to train on first shift if requiredWillingness to work any shift when neededFlexibility to work additional hours when requiredOccasional travelValid driver's license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicleWillingness to work at either Chattanooga location when requiredAbility to provide transportation to and from local destinations when requiredRequired to carry $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance coverage on any personal vehicle used for company business. Mileage reimbursed through expense reports submitted to the Company's accounting department.LANGUAGE SKILLSAbility to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulationsAbility to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manualsEffectively present information in one-on-one or group situationsMATHEMATICAL SKILLSAbility to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometryCalculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volumeSkilled in applying concepts such as ratios and proportions to practical situationsREASONING ABILITYAbility to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusionsInterpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variablesSAFETYAstec is dedicated to a culture of Behavior Based SAFETY and a Healthy Environment!Proficient in promoting safe and healthy work environmentNotify supervisor of product discrepancies or equipment malfunctionsAdheres to established company policies and procedures paying special attention to safety regulationsReport defective materials, equipment, or questionable conditions to the supervisor/manager to identify and correct the root causeWear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with training guidelinesSeparate scrap or waste materials for recycling, reuse, or environmentally sound disposalMaintain cleanliness in designated workspace by practicing 6S principles to reduce safety risksAttend weekly department safety meetingSupervisor and Leadership ExpectationsDoes this role have supervisory or managerial responsibilities?Does this role have budgetary or program management responsibilities? (must state if manager and above title with no direct reports).Our Culture and ValuesEmployees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customersHonesty and integrity in all aspects of businessRespect for all individualsPreserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovationSafety, quality and productivity as means to ensure successTravel Requirements: % of travel, regional, internationalNOTE: This position responsible for certain internal control responsibilities. These internal control responsibilities are verbally communicated to the incumbent and periodic feedback is provided as it relates to the performance of these internal control responsibilities.WORK ENVIRONMENT (Select One)OfficeWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of injury in an office environment and occasionally a manufacturing shop plant environment. Duties include a typical office setting including extensive computer work, sitting or standing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Manufacturing EnvironmentShop 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 EMPLOYERAs 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.