Research Analyst

Position: Research Analyst Duration: 8 month contract with possible extensions Pay Rate: $30-40/hour depending on years of experienceLocation: Warren, MI Required Skills & Experience1+ years of experience performing benchmarking for automotive or heavy machineryExperience creating pew matrixNice to Have Skills & Experiencebackground in Engineering or working in a manufacturing plantJob DescriptionThe Industrial Benchmarking Analyst I/II supports performance benchmarking and continuous improvement within an OEM automotive stamping organization. This early career level role focuses on stamping press operations, automation technologies, and data-driven analysis of plant performance. The analyst partners with manufacturing engineering, controls, and operations teams to find gaps, benchmark best-in-class performance (both internally and externally), and supports the creation and implementation of standardized, scalable solutions across facilities. Key Responsibilities • Support benchmarking of stamping press system and operations including mechanical and servo press performance, uptime, and efficiency. • Identify peer best practices and perform comparative benchmarking assessments. • Collect and analyze data on press tonnage utilization, stroke rates, die changeover, and line balancing. • Help in evaluating automation systems including transfer systems, feeders, destackers, die-to-press interfaces, and robotic automation. • Analyze production KPIs such as OEE, first-pass yield, scrap, downtime, and throughput. • Support process control initiatives using SPC and standardized work practices. • Evaluate containerization and material flow for stamped parts, including rack design, WIP flow, and logistics efficiency. • Analyze other Automotive OEM peers with regards to the use of autonomous vehicles to move materials, empty and full parts containers between the lines and into CMA. • Analyze and benchmark other Automotive OEM peers and their equipment suppliers with regards to automatic racking end-of-lines and autonomous vehicles interface. • Aid in benchmarking adoption of smart manufacturing technologies (sensors, IIoT, predictive maintenance). • Translate research insights into actionable recommendations and roadmaps. • Develop dashboards and reports aligned with OEM manufacturing operating systems. • Develop and present research reports, benchmarking comparison, and executive summaries. • Document peer best practices and support replication across stamping plants. • Participate in plant visits, audits, and cross-functional improvement workshops.