Engineering Jobs in Altamont, KS

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Power Flame Inc., an Astec Industries, Inc. company is an innovative and forward-thinking manufacturer of burners and combustion control systems for commercial, industrial, and process applications. Our products share environmentally conscious designs and are crafted from quality materials by our expert staff of dedicated professionals. Power Flame is a subsidiary of Astec Industries, Inc.

Astec Industries, Inc mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.

Location: This is an onsite position at our Power Flame location in Parsons, KS. Corporate relocation assistance available.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Operational Excellence Leader at our manufacturing site in Parsons, Kansas, plays a critical role in driving the Power Flame Inc Lean Systems throughout the organization. This leader is responsible for advancing strategy deployment, implementing lean methodologies, and aligning plant-level initiatives with corporate strategic goals. The role reports to the General Manager and the Astec corporate team to ensure cohesion in strategy and execution.

KEY ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the deployment of the Hoshin Kanri strategy framework at the plant and Power Flame business unit level to ensure alignment with corporate goals and initiatives.
• Plan and facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events that drive measurable improvements across manufacturing, sales, and support functions.
• Implement core Lean Systems and tools such as 5S, standard work, visual management, value stream mapping, TPM, and continuous flow to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
• Champion and oversee the deployment of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), including the implementation of pillars like autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance, quality maintenance, and early equipment management.
• Design and deliver structured Lean and TPM training programs that teach tools, principles, and cultural behaviors across all organizational levels, ensuring understanding and practical application.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across both shop floor and office operations, supporting functional leaders in achieving performance targets.
• Coach and mentor employees and leaders in structured problem-solving methods such as A3 thinking to build capability and foster ownership.
• Act as a hands-on liaison between the site and corporate teams, ensuring strategic alignment and effective communication across all improvement initiatives.
• Support capital investment planning by conducting ROI analysis and evaluating the operational impact of proposed projects.
• Develop and maintain True North Boards and PQVC (People, Quality, Velocity, Cost) dashboards to ensure performance visibility and alignment with business objectives.
• Integrate Lean thinking into onboarding and leadership development programs to reinforce a culture of continuous improvement from day one.
• Build internal problem-solving capability by coaching teams to sustain gains and independently lead improvement efforts.
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment sessions to identify priorities, remove barriers, and foster collaboration across departments.
• Collaborate with corporate leadership to align operational improvements with business growth strategies, including capacity expansion and new product introductions.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOUR EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES ARE:

• Extensive experience in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement, with a demonstrated ability to implement and sustain long-term improvements across various business functions.
• A proven track record of leading and facilitating Kaizen events that deliver measurable results in manufacturing, engineering, sales, service, and administrative processes.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen to align day-to-day actions with long-term organizational goals and growth plans.
• Exceptional coaching, teaching, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage, educate, and empower employees at all levels—from shop floor operators to executive leadership.
• Hands-on knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and its key pillars, as well as experience applying PQVC metrics, True North Boards, A3 problem-solving, and X-Matrix frameworks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building trust and alignment across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities, with proficiency in performance measurement and root cause analysis.
• Self-motivation and initiative, with the ability to work independently while collaborating with teams across functions and levels.
• A continuous improvement mindset, consistently seeking ways to improve processes, culture, and results while modeling Astec Industries, Inc.’s core values.

SUPERVISOR AND LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

• Report to the General Manager, Parsons Facility, with a functional relationship to the Director of Operational Excellence.
• Act as a trusted partner and strategic advisor on lean transformation efforts.
• Lead by example on the shop floor and in office settings.
• Deliver periodic updates to corporate leadership regarding initiative progress, risks, and opportunities.

Our Culture and Values

Employees that become part of Astec Industries, Inc. embody the values below throughout their work.

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
• Respect for all individuals
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
• Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec Industries, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.

Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.

What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.

Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.

Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.

Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.

Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.

Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.

Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.

It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.

Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.