Manufacturing Process Analyst - NA Rail Services

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Job Title: Manufacturing Process Analyst – NA Rail Services                                    

Overall Purpose:

The Manufacturing Process Analyst - NA Rail Services role exists to drive operational excellence, process standardization, and continuous improvement across North American Rail bearing reconditioning and assembly operations. As a key member of the Rail Operations Manufacturing Engineering team, this position is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing processes, tooling, systems, and technical standards that support safety, quality, productivity, and business performance objectives.

The role serves as a primary technical resource for North American Rail Services operations while also providing support to broader Global Rail initiatives. Working closely with manufacturing, EHS, Quality, and Maintenance teams, the Manufacturing Process Analyst identifies opportunities to improve reliability, reduce process variation, enhance throughput, and strengthen operational controls.

Through the design, testing, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, tooling, gauging, work instructions, and production programs, this position ensures robust and repeatable bearing reconditioning and assembly operations. The role is also responsible for support and coordinating moderately complex technical projects, including equipment specification and acquisition, tooling development, process optimization, and manufacturing technology deployment.

Beyond project execution, the Manufacturing Process Analyst serves as a recognized subject matter expert in rail bearing reconditioning and assembly methods.

Success in this role requires strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, the ability to diagnose and resolve complex manufacturing challenges using structured methodologies, and proficiency with engineering tools and business systems including CAD, SAP, Excel, and Timken's NPM process. Ultimately, the Manufacturing Process Analyst enables sustainable process improvements and technical solutions that support the long-term success and competitiveness of Timken's North American Rail Services operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development, optimization, and support of manufacturing processes and tooling for North American Rail bearing reconditioning, remanufacturing, and assembly operations, ensuring safe, consistent, and efficient execution of production activities.
• Design, document, and maintain manufacturing equipment and tooling systems utilizing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic CAD platforms. Ensure all engineering documentation, revisions, and technical records are accurately managed within SAP Engineering Control Center (ECTR) or other approved Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Serve as the technical owner and becoming subject matter expert for manufacturing process solutions, providing design, implementation, and ongoing support in areas including:
  • Proprietary machine design and build activities, Process tooling development and deployment
  • Tool crib operations and tool management; Machine shop support
  • Assembly, packaging, and material handling systems; Manual and automated gauging systems. Process capability, accuracy, and repeatability improvements
• Support capital and continuous improvement projects that support business plan objectives, productivity gains, quality improvements, and cost reduction initiatives. Responsibilities include:
  • Project identification, definition, and charter development
  • Financial justification through 2B and Appropriation Request (AR) processes
  • Scope development, scheduling, and resource coordination
  • Facilitation of project teams and stakeholder alignment
  • Development and maintenance of A3s, timelines, and project documentation
  • Regular communication of project status, results, and recommendations to management and operational stakeholders
• Develop and implement sustainable manufacturing systems and standards by collaborating with operations, maintenance, quality, and EHS teams to establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), preventive maintenance plans, work instructions, and safety requirements that ensure long-term process reliability and compliance.
• Contribute technical expertise to enterprise and site-level initiatives, supporting projects led by other engineering, manufacturing, and business leaders while serving as a trusted resource for complex process and equipment challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement and problem-solving efforts through structured analysis, root cause investigation, validation testing, and implementation of permanent corrective actions related to safety, quality, productivity, and manufacturing performance.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and communication of engineering activities, including project progress, process improvements, engineering studies, technical evaluations, performance metrics, and operational support efforts.
• Represent Manufacturing Engineering on New Product Manufacturing (NPM), Quality, Safety, and Continuous Improvement teams, ensuring manufacturing requirements, risks, and opportunities are effectively incorporated into business decisions and improvement initiatives.
• Support development of organizational capability through training, coaching, and mentoring.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and integrity by modeling expected behaviors, maintaining compliance with EHS requirements, demonstrating strong ethical standards, and reinforcing Timken's commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Technical/Functional Skills: 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiar with project management tools such as A3 forms, Project Tracker spreadsheets and MS Excel
• Proficient in English. Strong verbal and written communication skills
• CAD and other systems skills such as Siemens NX, AutoCAD, SAP ECTR, Cenit-Connect APM Preferred
• Experience working in a team environment
• Process machine operations, basic machine shop operations, machine design/build, manual and automatic gauging, tool design/build, Ariba purchase requisitioning, OSHA safety familiarity as pertains to rail bearing processes

• High School Grad Equivalent of Diploma or GED
• Associate of Manufacturing or other technical certification preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Verbal & written communication
• May require prolonged periods of standing/walking
• Vision: Near/Distance/Color
• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment and hand tools
• Participation in hearing conversation program as required
• Operates powered equipment
• Periodic travel

Environmental Conditions: Frequent impact noise, seasonal heat.

Protective Clothing and Personal Devices: Safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves, hearing protection

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.