Manufacturing Process Optimization Engineer

Shape how products move from concept to customer

Join Dexter at our El Reno, Oklahoma manufacturing facility and spend your days turning complex operations into elegant, reliable systems. As our Manufacturing Process Optimization Engineer, you’ll partner with plant leaders and frontline teams to deliver step-change improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost while reinforcing Dexter’s values: Execute with Determination, Connect with People, and Do the Right Thing.

A day in the life

• Walk the lines to observe flow, run quick time studies, and confirm takt alignment.
• Map value streams and redesign layouts to streamline material movement and reduce handling.
• Develop ergonomic workstations and balanced assembly lines that boost operator safety and first-pass yield.
• Stand up visual management (kanban, Andon, production boards) that clarifies priorities and accountability.
• Lead 8D/A3/FMEA problem-solving to eliminate root causes, not symptoms.
• Advance robotic welding initiatives, refine weld sequencing, and collaborate on fixture/tooling design.
• Integrate automation and smart manufacturing (PLC-controlled systems, robotics, IoT-enabled equipment) to stabilize processes.
• Apply SPC and analytics to monitor process capability and drive data-backed decisions.
• Partner with Maintenance/Engineering on TPM to increase uptime and reliability.
• Embed DFM/DFA with New Product Engineering for new axle and suspension designs.

Leadership & influence

• Coach CI methods on the floor and mentor supervisors and managers.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and structured workshops.
• Own and report KPIs (OEE, scrap, safety, cost savings) and cascade learnings across departments and sites.
• Standardize and replicate best practices across regions to lock in gains.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 1–3+ years of manufacturing experience (axle, chassis, suspension, automotive/trailer components preferred).
• Lean Six Sigma credentials (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Welding knowledge (manual/robotic; MIG, TIG, resistance).
• Time study, labor standards, plant layout expertise.
• ERP/MES familiarity (Oracle, Plex, SAP) and strong data analytics skills.
• Customer-focused, collaborative, safety-first, hands-on problem solver who thrives on the factory floor—even in union environments.

Why Dexter

Dexter is the premier manufacturer and supplier of axles, suspension, brakes, doors, venting products, trailer parts, accessories, and towing components serving the commercial trailer, RV, heavy-duty, marine, agriculture, and manufactured housing markets. We’re headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana with manufacturing and distribution across the U.S. and Canada. Using state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding, and automated machining, we’ve built decades of success on superior quality, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service.

Explore more at www.dextergroup.com.

Rewards & benefits

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA
• 3% Safe Harbor profit sharing
• 401(k) with company contributions
• Meaningful opportunities for internal development and advancement

Ready to make measurable impact for customers who count on Dexter products every day? Apply now.

**Equal Opportunity Employer

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Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a background check and drug screen. Dexter Axle Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

**Work Authorization

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Dexter will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada. This position does not provide sponsorship. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including those with OPT or CPT), H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.