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Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Material Flow Optimization

Generac · Waukesha, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

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

About your past

Tell me about a material flow redesign you led and what it did for productivity or floor space.

What they are checking: Proven results from end-to-end material flow work.

Tell me about a time operations resisted a change you designed. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Influence without authority on the plant floor.

What would you do

Line-side inventory keeps growing even though the kanban sizes look right. What do you look at?

What they are checking: Diagnosing flow problems that come from behavior, data or takt changes.

How would you train plant engineers to keep PFEP data accurate after you've moved on?

What they are checking: Building lasting capability, since the posting asks them to develop tools and train others.

Production changes takt time mid-quarter. How does that ripple through your replenishment plan?

What they are checking: Understanding how takt drives consumption and replenishment from the hub or warehouse.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd build a PFEP database for a complex assembly plant from scratch.

What they are checking: Real experience with the plan-for-every-part work this role is built around.

How do you decide between kanban, min/max, milk-run and JIT for a given part?

What they are checking: Matching replenishment method to part size, usage and variability.

When would you choose kitting over point-of-use stocking?

What they are checking: Line feeding judgment, which the posting lists as a core skill.

How do you justify tuggers or AGVs instead of forklifts?

What they are checking: Cost and safety reasoning for material handling systems.

How do you calculate the lowest total cost of getting a part to the line, not just the move cost?

What they are checking: Total cost thinking that includes inventory, space, labor and stockout risk.

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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.”

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