Role Purpose
Objective
Drive operational excellence through automation, localization, industrial engineering, and continuous improvement to enhance productivity, cost efficiency, and scalability in fiber optic cable assembly operations.
1. Automation Excellence
Objective: Improve productivity, consistency, and scalability through process automation and digitalization.
Responsibilities
- Identify automation opportunities across fiber optic cable assembly processes (cutting, stripping, crimping, polishing, testing, labeling, packaging)
- Support automation feasibility studies, ROI analysis, and business cases
- Assist in implementation of semi-automatic and automated equipment
- Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, and vendors for deployment
- Standardize automated workstations and support operator training
- Implement basic digital tools for production monitoring and traceability
- Support Industry 4.0 initiatives (MES, barcode/RFID, SPC dashboards)
KRAs / KPIs
- Productivity improvement through automation
- Reduction in manual effort and defects
- Timely execution of automation projects
- Basic ROI tracking vs plan
2. Localization Excellence
Objective: Improve cost efficiency and reduce dependency on imports.
Responsibilities
- Support localization of raw materials, connectors, cables, consumables, jigs, and tooling
- Identify and coordinate with local suppliers for development
- Work with Quality and Engineering for supplier qualification support
- Assist in cost benchmarking and make-vs-buy analysis
- Support alternate material development and value engineering initiatives
KRAs / KPIs
- Contribution to localization targets (value/volume)
- Cost savings achieved through initiatives
- Reduction in lead time
- Supplier performance tracking support
3. Industrial Engineering Excellence
Objective: Improve manufacturing efficiency through structured IE practices.
Responsibilities
- Conduct time & motion studies and support SAM creation
- Assist in line balancing and productivity improvement initiatives
- Support layout optimization and material flow improvements
- Drive implementation of SOPs and standardized work
- Contribute to OEE, cycle time, and throughput improvement
- Support NPI line setup and stabilization
KRAs / KPIs
- Productivity improvement (units per man-hour)
- Cycle time reduction
- Line efficiency improvement
- Adherence to standard work
4. Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
Objective: Drive a culture of continuous improvement and waste reduction.
Responsibilities
- Participate in Lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, VSM, SMED, Poka-Yoke)
- Support Kaizen activities and improvement projects
- Identify waste and non-value-added activities
- Conduct basic root cause analysis (5 Why, Fishbone)
- Track and sustain improvement actions
KRAs / KPIs
- Number of Kaizens implemented
- Cost savings contribution
- 5S audit scores
- Waste reduction (scrap, rework, downtime)
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Objective: Ensure alignment across teams for operational excellence initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Work with Production, Quality, Engineering, and SCM teams
- Support audits and operational reviews
- Assist in tracking and reporting improvement projects
- Participate in knowledge sharing and training initiatives
KRAs / KPIs
- Project execution effectiveness
- Audit readiness and compliance
- Training participation and skill development
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial / Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Manufacturing Engineering
- Lean / Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred)
Experience
- 3–6 years of experience in manufacturing / industrial engineering / operations excellence
- Experience in electronics, cable assembly, or fiber optics preferred
- Exposure to automation, lean, or cost improvement projects is an advantage
Skills & Competencies
- Basic understanding of fiber optic assembly processes
- Knowledge of Industrial Engineering and Lean tools
- Exposure to automation and process improvement
- Analytical and data interpretation skills
- Good communication and teamwork abilities
- Working knowledge of Excel; exposure to ERP/MES is a plus
Behavioral Attributes
- Hands-on and proactive approach
- Problem-solving mindset
- Willingness to learn and adapt
- Structured and detail-oriented
- Collaborative and team-focused
Success Metrics (Overall)
- Improvement in productivity and efficiency
- Contribution to cost reduction initiatives
- Participation in successful automation/localization projects
- Improved process standardization
- Active involvement in CI culture
