Distribution Optimization Engineer

Join Our Team at HuFriedyGroup – Innovating Excellence in Dental Instrument Manufacturing

HuFriedyGroup is a leading manufacturer of dental instruments and infection prevention products. Our 10,000-plus products, hand-crafted by highly skilled artisans, are known for their precision, performance, longevity, reliability, and quality. To help dental professionals be The Best in Practice, HuFriedyGroup provides a unique combination of world class products, value-added services, clinical education, and dental community platforms that result in superior clinician performance and enhanced safety for dental professionals and their patients. Working at HuFriedyGroup is so much more than a job, as every employee has a part in driving and supporting the organization’s inspirational vision to be a global force in advancing dental performance through Best-In-Practice dentistry that improves lives around the world.

Note: This role is based in Des Plaines, IL, with the facility scheduled to relocate to Northbrook, IL in Summer 2026. All applicants must be willing to travel as needed and commit to relocating with the company at that time.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing processes to identify bottlenecks and develop solutions to improve efficiency and reduce waste
• Collect and analyze statistical data to evaluate productivity performance, volatility, and standard deviation norms
• Improve material handling and storage methods to increase throughput and ergonomics, evaluating simple vs. technological solutions
• Conduct time studies, cost analysis, and develop, implement, and maintain standard work documentation
• Lead, facilitate, and provide training for continuous improvement initiatives tied to safety, quality, delivery, and cost
• Recommend capital equipment additions, develop justifications, and manage implementation and commissioning
• Support the operations team in reviewing KPI misses, determining root causes, and developing countermeasures
• Assist in layout design and department moves to optimize space utilization
• Draft and design layouts for equipment, materials, and workspaces to maximize efficiency
• Recommend methods to improve utilization of personnel, materials, and equipment
• Design overall process flows and conceptual layouts for future state operations
• Develop value stream mapping to identify opportunities for eliminating non-value-added activities and initiate improvement strategies
• Support the manufacturing engineering team in process validations, capability studies, and PFMEA development
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or related engineering discipline
• 2-5 years of related engineering experience in a distribution center
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of production machinery, processes, and standards
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills with attention to detail
• Experience in warehousing and/or distribution preferred
• Experience with ERP, MES, and WMS systems preferred
• SAP experience is a plus
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a plus
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility Statement

HuFriedyGroup is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you require reasonable accommodations to apply for a position, participate in the recruitment process, or perform essential job functions, please contact us at 773-868-5534. We are committed to supporting you throughout your journey with HuFriedyGroup!