JobsGenerac

Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Material Flow Optimization

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Jul 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

Apply at Generac

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time you designed a replenishment strategy, whether kanban, min/max, milk-run, or JIT. What made you pick that approach over the others?

real hands-on experience choosing replenishment methods based on part characteristics, not textbook recall

Describe a material flow redesign project you led that reduced touchpoints or travel time. What was the before and after, and how did you measure the improvement?

whether they can quantify impact and have actually driven a project end to end versus supporting one

Tell me about a time you got involved early in an NPI project. What material flow decisions did you influence before the design was locked?

whether they understand the value of early involvement versus reacting after layouts are fixed

Tell me about a cross-functional workshop you led to roll out a material flow change. Who pushed back, and how did you get them on board?

facilitation skill and ability to manage resistance from operations, supply chain, or quality

Technical

Walk me through how you'd build a PFEP database from scratch for a complex production line. Where do you start and what data do you need first?

whether the candidate actually understands PFEP structure and sequencing, not just the acronym

How do you tie a PFEP to takt time and line-side consumption so replenishment from the hub or warehouse actually keeps up with production?

depth of understanding on the math and logic linking material flow to production rate

If you had to choose between a tugger route, AGVs, and a manual system for a new line, what would you weigh to make that call?

practical judgment on material handling equipment tradeoffs like cost, flexibility, and floor layout

How have you used SAP or Oracle to support or build out a PFEP? What specific data fields or transactions were you pulling from the system?

whether ERP experience is concrete and specific or just a resume bullet

What lean tools do you actually use when mapping a material flow process, and can you give an example of waste you found and eliminated using one of them?

whether 5S and value stream mapping are applied skills or just terms they can name

Situational

Say you inherit a line where the PFEP says one thing and what's actually happening on the floor is different. How do you find out why, and what do you do about it?

how they handle data integrity issues and whether they go to the floor instead of trusting the spreadsheet

You've optimized a layout on paper, but the operations team says it will slow down changeover. How do you handle that disagreement?

how they balance engineering optimization against operator and floor realism, and whether they compromise or dig in

How do you train plant engineers or logistics teams to use PFEP tools once you've built them, especially if they've never worked with the system before?

ability to transfer ownership and build sustainable processes rather than being the sole expert

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Generac from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? A Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer with expertise in Material Planning & Handling (MPH) and PFEP execution drives point of use material flow strategy, ensuring the right material is delivered in the right quantity, at the right time, and at the lowest total cost. This role is critical in advanced manufacturing environments, directly impacting productivity, layout optimization, and production stability. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Lead the creation and implementation of PFEP databases for complex manufacturing operations. • Designed material replenishment strategies (kanban, min/max, milk-run, JIT). • Ensured PFEP alignment with production takt time, line-side consumption and replenishment from HUB/Warehouse • Develop required PFEP tools, train plant engineers for effective use. • Designed and optimized end-to-end material flow processes from receiving/warehouse to line-side delivery. • Developed line feeding strategies (kitting, sequencing, point-of-use stocking). • Implemented material handling systems (tuggers, AGVs, conveyors, manual systems). • Optimized production layouts for efficient material movement. • Reduced touchpoints, travel time, and material handling waste. • Supported NPI (New Product Introduction) by defining material flow and PFEP early in the design phase • Applied Lean principles (5S, value stream mapping, waste elimination) to material flow • Implemented or enhanced PFEP using ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.). • Partnered with operations, supply chain, engineering, and quality teams. • Led cross-functional workshops for PFEP rollout and material flow redesign. • Provided training to manufacturing and logistics teams on standard material processes. • PFEP development & governance • Material flow design & optimization • Line-side delivery systems • Lean manufacturing & continuous improvement • Data-driven decision making • Cross-functional collaboration Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Industrial Technology • 5 years related experience in the Engineering function within a similar working environment.  Office Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls.  The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  On occasion, the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders.  The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.  Great Reasons to work for Generac:  • Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more • State-of-the-art facility with an onsite gym, walking trails, café, free parking and many employee activities  • Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, to gather together and enjoy their time with their families and co-workers • Eligible for summer hours! (Memorial Day – Labor Day) • Pride! When a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion. Each time a storm hits many employees volunteer their time with the customer support team or on the production line while others go right into storm-affected areas to repair generators • We believe in having fun. From minor celebrations to major events, our employees balance their work by building a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration through a variety of occasions, including our Fun Days.  • Every day is Jeans Day! Dress for your day. • Product loan and discount programs “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

Apply at Generac

Related jobs

New Product Sourcing Specialist - Purchasing

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Intern Engineering - Advanced Manufacturing

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Mechanical Engineer II

Generac · Sussex, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Material Handler - Weekend Shift

Generac · Whitewater, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Inside Sales Representative Residential

Generac · Pewaukee, WI

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Industrial Engineer I

Generac · Beaver Dam, WI

Posted Sep 16 · Verified Sep 20