JobsGenerac

Sr. Industrial Engineer

Generac · Whitewater, WI

Posted May 19, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 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.

Behavioral

Walk me through a process improvement project you led from the shop floor observation stage all the way to implementation. What was the result?

whether the candidate has actually driven a project end to end versus just supporting one

Tell me about a new product introduction you supported in operations. What was your role and what went wrong along the way?

real NPI experience and comfort handling the messiness of a launch, not just textbook process knowledge

Tell me about a time you had to change how shop floor operators did their job. How did you get their buy-in?

skill working with production personnel who may resist change from an engineer

Tell me about a project where priorities or deadlines shifted on you midstream. How did you handle it?

adaptability and prioritization skill in a fast-moving manufacturing environment

Tell me about a time you disagreed with a colleague or manager on how to solve a manufacturing problem. How did it get resolved?

conflict resolution style and whether they can hold a technical position under pushback

Technical

How would you go about mapping product, material, and information flow on a mixed model line to find where things are getting out of sync?

practical grasp of value stream mapping and line balancing beyond buzzwords

Say you're asked to justify and select new equipment for a line. What factors go into that decision and how do you build the case to leadership?

ability to do capital justification and equipment selection, not just recommend based on gut feel

What lean tools or methods have you actually deployed on a production line, not just studied?

depth versus surface-level familiarity with lean principles

Describe demand driven planning as you understand it. How would you apply it to make a line more flexible and responsive without blowing up cost?

whether they can connect demand-driven concepts to concrete operational tradeoffs

What CAD tools have you used for layout work, and can you describe a layout change you designed yourself?

hands-on CAD competency versus claimed familiarity

Situational

You've got a facility that needs to run both high mix, low volume work and high volume, low mix work on the same footprint. How do you approach the layout?

whether they understand tradeoffs between flexibility and throughput in real facility design

You're coordinating a technology transfer between facilities and the receiving plant's team pushes back on the new process. What do you do?

cross-functional influence and conflict resolution without formal authority

How do you decide what needs formal documentation versus what can stay informal when you're rolling out a new standard process?

judgment on process governance and sustainability of improvements after the engineer leaves

Practice this interview out loud.

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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? The Industrial Engineer III is responsible for ongoing process improvement initiatives that deliver excellence across entire value chain. The Mechanical/Industrial Engineer will utilize enterprise standards to lead process improvement initiatives by implementing policies, procedures and process documentation related to continuous improvement directives. Essential Duties: • Significant contributions to the implementation of Generac Fulfillment System (GFS) across Order-to-Cash process (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver & Service) • Responsible for leading and coordinating the successful launch of New Product Introductions (NPI) within operations • Lead and contribute to facility transformation, technology transfer and ongoing maintenance of mixed model lines or value streams • Lead and ensure ongoing success of process improvement initiatives by implementing policies, procedures and process documentation • Lead and implement demand driven principals and strategies that supports operational excellence and long range plans. (Flexibility, Speed & Responsiveness) • Lead and ensure product, material and information streams flow and are synchronized to produce maximum efficiencies and lowest cost of operation • Leader in creation of innovative ideas to improve business results • Deploy standard Generac tools, methodologies, standards, practices and processes • Lead and implement objectives to include continuous improvement initiatives to achieve customer satisfaction and fulfillment needs • Work closely with shop floor personnel to promote ongoing Continuous Improvement of manufacturing methods, systems and controls • Responsibility for area layouts, process definition, and equipment justification, selection, and implementation Minimal Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Industrial Technology; • 5+ years related experience in the Engineering function within a similar working environment Preferred Qualifications: • Proficiency in CAD (AutoCAD, Solid Works and/or ProE) • Excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills • Knowledge of lean principles and process improvements • Diverse skills and experience leading projects • Experience collaborating cross-functionally to achieve desired results • Experience operating in high mix, low volume and high volume, low mix production environments • Demonstrated skills in problem solving and conflict resolution • Proven track record of successfully managing shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast paced environment • Project Management Certification Great Reasons to work for Generac:  • Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more • 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 • 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 Physical Demands: 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 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. “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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