JOB SUMMARY:
The Operations Engineer at 4OEM Plastics is responsible for leading and coordinating all manufacturing activities within the facility. This includes full oversight of Production, Quality, Logistics, Tooling, and Maintenance operations to ensure safe, cost-effective, and high-quality output that meets customer expectations and company goals.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong operational background, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Production and Operations
- Lead daily plant operations ensuring efficient manufacturing processes and timely delivery.
- Monitor daily production schedules and performance metrics to ensure adherence to goals and customer commitments.
- Track and reduce scrap rates by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Develop and maintain KPIs across all functional areas including Production, Quality, Logistics, Tooling, and Maintenance.
- Present production metrics and improvement areas to executive management on a regular basis.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the production floor to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
- Apply and champion Lean Manufacturing principles and SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) to optimize processes and reduce changeover times.
Quality Management
- Oversee quality control systems to maintain IATF 16949/ISO 9001 compliance.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes for internal and customer quality concerns.
- Promote a culture of quality and accountability throughout the plant.
Logistics and Materials
- Manage inbound and outbound logistics, inventory levels, shipping schedules, and raw material coordination.
- Collaborate with purchasing and sales teams to align production and logistics with customer demand.
Tooling and Maintenance
- Ensure proper maintenance and performance of all tooling and equipment.
- Oversee tooling readiness, preventive maintenance schedules, and improvement initiatives.
- Coordinate with external suppliers or internal teams for mold changes, repairs, or upgrades.
Leadership and Communication
- Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors and shop-floor staff.
- Drive team engagement, accountability, and professional development.
- Foster a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
Requirements
Minimum 5+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership role, preferably in plastics or automotive.
- Strong knowledge of production operations, quality systems, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement.
- Experience with IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 and customer-specific quality requirements (e.g., SEWS, Ford, GM). is a Plus
- Demonstrated experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing and SMED. is a Plus
- Effective communicator with strong problem-solving, organizational, and team leadership skills.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
Other Responsibilities
Follows Company's quality and corporate/environmental policies.
Follows Procedures and work instructions established by 4OEM Plastics .to Comply with requirements of TS 16949:2009, and ISO 14001.
Follows procedures, work instructions and operational controls implemented by 4OEM Plastics .to comply with all applicable Legal requirements