Industrial Engineer - Entry Level
The Industrial Engineer at Confidential Client supports the design, execution, and continuous improvement of Work Centers for Columbia construction, partnering with multiple stakeholders to optimize production flow and ensure on-time, on-cost completion. The role applies Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma principles to lead process improvements that reduce costs and lead times, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the Groton Shipyard. This entry-level position requires strong project management, communication, and leadership skills, with on-site work in Groton, CT.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role summary
The Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Industrial Engineer to support Work Center design and execution and to lead Lean / Six Sigma–driven process improvements at their Groton, CT shipyard. This is an on-site, full-time role (Monday–Friday) that includes hands-on collaboration with operations, planning, and trades leadership. Training and certification in Lean and Six Sigma will be provided.
What You’ll Do
The role focuses on three core areas:
- Work Center design — define work locations, equipment, tooling, fixtures and personnel; create standard, repeatable work center plans in partnership with Operations, Ship’s Management and Planning.
- Work Center execution — support implementation and day-to-day execution of Work Centers, monitor metrics, perform capability vs. capacity analysis, and drive on-time, on-cost completion.
- Continuous improvement — apply Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma principles to reduce cost and lead time across manufacturing and outfitting areas.
Key responsibilities:
- Partner with Design Build, Operations, Ship’s Management, Detail Planning and Advance Planning to optimize build plans and refine work scopes at event, activity and work-order levels.
- Facilitate creation and implementation of Work Center playbooks in coordination with Trades and Operations leadership.
- Track progress using applicable metrics and group-code reporting; identify and remove barriers to execution.
- Lead and support Lean / Six Sigma projects that improve safety, quality, schedule performance and cost.
- Mentor frontline shipbuilders and cross-functional teams to embed continuous-improvement practices.
- Socialize improvements across the organization and participate in future Work Center design activities.
Who we’re looking for (Required)
- Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree in Engineering — completion expected by May 2027 is acceptable.
- 0–5 years’ experience in a manufacturing, production, or construction site environment.
- Advanced MS Office skills, especially Excel.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance (employment contingent on clearance eligibility).
Preferred qualifications
- BS in Industrial Engineering.
- Lean Manufacturing and/or Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt training.
- Experience with Kaizen or Toyota Production System methods.
- Experience with project budgeting, cost estimating and scheduling.
Skills & attributes
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to build relationships with frontline shipbuilders and stakeholders.
- Team-oriented with demonstrated leadership and facilitation experience on cross-functional teams.
- Results-driven with a track record of delivering measurable process improvements.
- Comfortable working with ambiguity and able to exercise initiative with minimal supervision.
Location & schedule
- This position is located in Groton, CT. Selected candidates are expected to work on-site Monday through Friday.
Working conditions
- Physical activities may include climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, stooping and twisting.
- Environment may involve exposure to acids/alkalis, dust, fumes, heat/cold, noise, oily or wet conditions, and both indoor and outdoor workspaces.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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