Operations Engineering Manager

Kopp Glass, a Pittsburgh-based manufacturer of high-performance, custom glass products, is seeking to hire an Operations Engineering Manager to support the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes to enhance plant performance and workflow optimization. This position works cross-functionally with  Operations, Quality Assurance, Production, and Sales to develop processes that ensure glass is manufactured to specification as quickly and efficiently as possible through the elimination of waste and variability and applies effective problem solving that addresses root cause issues. This position plays a key role in leading the company forward to significantly increase quality, reduce lead times, decrease total costs, and enable growth in emerging markets. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytical and technical abilities while demanding fast, but carefully thought-out results. A successful candidate must also demonstrate a strong commitment to technical, managerial, and leadership self-development.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides technical, material science and chemistry engineering-level production support, including hands-on activities, to manufacturing operations; solves chemistry and lens making process issues through data analysis, experimentation, and collaboration with subject matter experts
• Identifies and implements activities to drive process standardization, efficiency, and cost reduction by leading the management of production support activities including the completion of action items both in preparation for and during daily execution of work orders for customer order fulfillment.
• Leads projects on the investigation, analysis, procurement, implementation and execution of innovative manufacturing technologies to enhance our value proposition and improve processes in Production with a focus on automation, robotics, and other advanced technologies through close collaboration with the R/E, Production, Sales, QA, and Purchasing departments as well as external vendors and thought leaders
• Leads process reliability efforts to improve existing products, glass making and related manufacturing processes as well as support new glass making, manufacturing processes and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Glass/Ceramic Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Material Science, or related engineering and science degree; Master’s degree preferred but not required.

• Minimum of 7 years of management experience in glass manufacturing.

• Proficient in process improvement and plant optimization; experience implementing and utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Statistical Process Control, and/or Six Sigma methodologies.

• Excellent computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and ERP systems.

• Ability to acquire and analyze data using statistical methods to facilitate process analysis and improvements.

• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety standards.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Access to our facility is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to provide information to determine whether they are subject to these regulations and, if so, to assess their country of chargeability for export control purposes.