Manufacturing Engineer - Operational Excellence

Company: Astec Industries
Location: Yankton
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Manufacturing Engineer Yankton, SD BUILT 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. ABOUT THE POSITION Primary Process Owner, who works closely with all aspects of Astec, Inc. operations (manufacturing, quality, OpEx and safety) to develop safe, efficient and reliable manufacturing methods. Identifies process improvement opportunities (productivity and reduce costs), allowing Astec to create a sustainable competitive advantage through the use of Kaizen, lean tools and methods. Leads cross functional events to analyze and deploy standards and techniques, to improve quality, ensure on-time delivery, control costs and/or other engineering/economic objectives; Applies visual and auditable, manufacturing best practices to solve problems, improve performance and productivity, while eliminating waste. Deliverables & Responsibilities Develops, evaluates, and recommends improvements in manufacturing methods through new processes and modifications, minimizing cost and effectively applying production capabilities. Implements process improvements through time studies, process mapping, value-stream mapping, spaghetti mapping and workload balancing, through cross-functional team collaboration, Using standard lean tool sets, achieves safety and process improvements, through reductions cycle-time, rework, scrap, inventory, overtime, space, on-time completions, etc. Facilitates continuous improvements using lean tools and coordinates lean training, development activities of all employees. 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. Develops proposals, evaluates new development programs and recommends changes in parts specifications, manufacturing processes and production methods and/or objectives to improve quality, productivity, manufacturability and safety as required. Applies statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential. Responsible for 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 Researches, organizes, analyzes and maintains records of technical information from a variety of sources. Follows company policies and procedures at all times. Follows proper safety rules and procedures at all times. Performs special projects other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES 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. Knowledge of machine shop operations/processes required. Knowledge of LEAN methods used in manufacturing processes required. In depth knowledge of Excel and/or PowerBI to create various pareto analyses. Knowledge of all types of metal-forming processes to include laser cutting, machining, welding, flame cutting, and bending. Knowledge of engineering/manufacturing system of symbols, legends, shading and lines required and skill reading engineering drawings required. 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. Must be able to collaborate and facilitate cross functional teams to influence and manage change in a heavy manufacturing, multi-shift work environment. REASONING ABILITY Must have the ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables; and have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop and kneel, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally move more than 49 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of injury in a shop and warehouse environment and asphalt plant environment. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The noise level in the shop and asphalt plant environment is occasionally very loud. Note: This job description is intended to be a general guideline of areas of responsibility. There will be incidental tasks not listed on a job description that arise at various times. These tasks are assigned to help out the department and company and, as a member of the Astec, Inc. team, each employee is expected to help in these areas. 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.

Keywords: Astec Industries, Council Bluffs , Manufacturing Engineer - Operational Excellence, Manufacturing , Yankton, Iowa