Project Assistant - Level III - Manufacturing

Job Summary

This role supports manufacturing projects by applying developing project management, manufacturing process, and business operations knowledge to ensure successful execution of manufacturing and industrialization initiatives. The Project Assistant works closely with project managers, manufacturing engineers, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders to support project planning, process implementation, equipment procurement, risk management, and operational readiness activities.

The role contributes to manufacturing process development, equipment commissioning, project coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring alignment with quality, cost, timeline, and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination & Support

• Provide administrative, operational, and logistical support for manufacturing projects and project managers.

• Assist in developing and maintaining project plans, schedules, timelines, and project documentation.

• Support project issue tracking, risk identification, escalation, and mitigation activities.

• Monitor project milestones, budgets, deliverables, and status updates to ensure timely execution.

• Maintain project databases, reports, records, meeting notes, and project communication updates.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Design, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Suppliers.

Manufacturing Process Development

• Support the design, finalization, and implementation of manufacturing processes for CAM shaft machining and related operations.

• Assist in defining machining processes such as turning, milling, grinding, and heat treatment operations.

• Support development of process flows, PFMEA, control plans, SOPs, and manufacturing documentation.

• Assist in cycle time studies, line balancing, capacity planning, and productivity improvement initiatives.

• Support implementation of Poka-Yoke and error-proofing mechanisms within manufacturing processes.

Equipment Procurement & Industrialization

• Support preparation of technical specifications for machines, tools, fixtures, and automation systems.

• Assist in supplier coordination, RFQ activities, techno-commercial evaluations, and procurement processes.

• Track equipment manufacturing, FAT/SAT activities, installation, commissioning, and production readiness.

• Support CAPEX planning and industrialization activities aligned with NPI/NBS timelines.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities using tools such as 8D and Why-Why analysis.

• Support initiatives to improve process capability, OEE, reliability, productivity, and scrap reduction.

• Ensure adherence to quality systems, manufacturing standards, and compliance requirements including IATF 16949 and ISO standards.

• Support documentation and sharing of project learnings, best practices, and process improvements.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with equipment suppliers, internal stakeholders, and global engineering teams to support project execution.

• Support closure of technical issues, process updates, and engineering changes.

• Assist in aligning manufacturing readiness with project scope, timelines, and customer expectations.

Competencies

Functional Competencies

• Project Scope Management

• Project Schedule Management

• Project Resource Management

• Project Issue and Risk Management

• Manufacturing Process Development

• Equipment Procurement and Industrialization

• Process Capability Improvement

• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions

• Continuous Improvement Methodologies

• Manufacturing Documentation and Reporting

• Supplier Coordination and Stakeholder Management

• Quality Systems and Compliance

Behavioral Competencies

• Communicates effectively across teams and stakeholders

• Demonstrates customer focus and responsiveness

• Manages complexity and multiple priorities effectively

• Handles conflict situations professionally and constructively

• Plans and aligns work to meet project commitments and timelines

• Demonstrates resourcefulness and problem-solving capability

• Values teamwork, collaboration, and diverse perspectives

Qualifications

• High school diploma, secondary education completion certificate, or equivalent experience is required.

• College degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or related discipline preferred.

• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, industrialization processes, and project coordination preferred.

• This role may require compliance with export control or sanctions regulations.

Skills and Experience Needed

• Relevant experience in manufacturing, project coordination, industrialization, or process engineering through professional experience, training, or on-the-job exposure.

• Understanding of machining and CAM shaft manufacturing processes including turning, milling, grinding, and heat treatment.

• Exposure to process development tools including PFMEA, Control Plans, SOPs, and line balancing.

• Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems such as IATF 16949 and ISO standards.

• Experience supporting equipment procurement, installation, FAT/SAT, and commissioning activities.

• Familiarity with project management practices including risk management, schedule tracking, and resource coordination.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exposure to root cause analysis methodologies such as 8D and Why-Why analysis.

• Ability to coordinate effectively with suppliers, engineering teams, and manufacturing stakeholders.

• Experience in productivity improvement, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.

• Good communication, presentation, and documentation skills.

• Proficiency in MS Office tools and manufacturing/project tracking systems preferred.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional manufacturing environment while managing multiple priorities.

Job Manufacturing

Organization Cummins Inc.

Role Category On-site with Flexibility

Job Type Office

ReqID 2429883

Relocation Package Yes

100% On-Site Yes

Due to the operational nature and specific job duties of this role, work is required to be completed 100% in person/On-site.