Industrial Engineer 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 has an opportunity for an Industrial Engineer at our manufacturing facility located in El Reno, Oklahoma. Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, Dexter has manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Employing state-of-the-art robotics, precision welding equipment, and automated machining processes, Dexter has achieved many years of success through a commitment to the principles of superior quality, continuous improvement, and unparalleled customer service. For more information about our company, access Dexter's web site at .The Industrial Engineer partners with plant management and frontline supervisors todrive measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC).With a balance of technical expertise and leadership influence, the roleadvances Dexter's continuous improvement culture by aligning Lean and Six Sigmapractices with Dexter's values: Execute with Determination, Connect with People, and Do the Right Thing.
Key Responsibilities
Process& Technical Expertise:- Lead continuous improvementprojects across assigned areas.
- Conduct value stream mapping, time studies, and process flow analysis to optimize throughput, takttime, and resource allocation.
- Design and implement ergonomicworkstations and assembly lines to improve operator safety, efficiency, and quality.
- Develop and maintain laborstandards, capacity models, and production forecasts to supportplanning and scheduling accuracy.
- Optimize material flow, internallogistics, and line-side delivery systems to reduce handling, downtime, and waste.
- Implement visual managementsystems (kanban, Andon, production boards) to improve shop floorcommunication and accountability. Lead root cause analysis andstructured problem-solving (8D, A3, FMEA) to drive permanent solutionsto production challenges.
- Partner with welding departments toadvance robotic welding automation, weld sequence optimization, andfixture/tooling design.
- Support automation andtechnology integration (PLC-controlled systems, robotics, smartmanufacturing, IoT-enabled equipment).Apply statistical processcontrol (SPC) and advanced data analytics to monitor quality andprocess performance. Collaborate with
- Maintenance/Engineering teams on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to improve equipment uptime and reliability.
- Work with New Product Engineeringto integrate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly(DFA) into new axle and suspension designs.
- Identify and implement costreduction initiatives in direct labor, indirect labor, scrap, rework, and utilities.
- Standardize best practicesacross regions, ensuring sustainability and replication ofimprovements.
Leadership& Influence:
Act as a local CI coach andtrainer, mentoring plant managers and supervisors.
Facilitate Kaizen workshops andproblem-solving events.
Track and report KPIs (OEE, scrap, safety, cost savings).Promote best practice sharing across departments to reduce variation.
Drive Dexter's Lean culture through engagement with both leadership and frontline employees.
Competencies:
Customer Focus – aligns CI work with Dexter'sproduct reliability and customer commitments.
Collaboration – effective across plants, unionenvironments, and functional teams. Operational Excellence – uses Lean/Six Sigma to drivesustainable results.
Communication – able to translate CI strategyfrom plant floor to executive level.
Change Leadership – drives adoption of CI culture inestablished operations.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial
Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
Experience:
1-3+ years in manufacturing(axle, chassis, suspension, automotive/trailer components preferred).
Technical Skills:
Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Beltpreferred). Welding knowledge (manual/robotic, MIG, TIG, resistance). Time studies, labor standards, andplant layout design. ERP/MES (Oracle, Plex, SAP) anddata analytics. Dexter Fit: Collaborative, safety-first, hands-on problem solver who thrives in a manufacturing environment. We care for our people. Here are some of our great, comprehensive Benefits: Dexter offers a competitive wage Full benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA3% profit sharing in our Safe Harbor program 401(k) Plan with company contributions Opportunities for internal career development and growth Apply now to join an industry leader and make a difference in what we do for the customers we serve!
Equal Opportunity Employer:
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:
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.
