Operational Development Specialist

Description

FIC America Corp. is a global Tier 1 automotive components manufacturer centrally located in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. We are actively seeking an Operational Development Specialist. Will be responsible for supporting Toyota Production System (TPS) activities and project facilitation across assigned production areas. This role conducts TPS audits, verifies standard work, performs time studies, identifies waste, supports Kaizen activities, and helps coordinate improvement projects using structured project management methods. The position works closely with production, quality, engineering, HR, maintenance, management, customers, suppliers, and other Futaba companies as needed to improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, process stability, and team member engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct time studies and verify standard work, cycle times, manpower requirements, line balance, and production targets for new and existing processes
• Perform daily TPS audits of BD, CS, and other assigned production areas to identify waste, abnormal conditions, safety concerns, quality risks, and improvement opportunities
• Record TPS audit results, maintain accurate audit data, and communicate findings, trends, and follow-up items to responsible departments
• Support project facilitation activities by helping identify project milestones, goals, required actions, owners, timing, and completion status
• Use structured project management methods, including visual progress tracking and follow-up tools, to support customer, department, supplier, and internal improvement activities
• Review shop-floor documents, including standard work, PQC documents, work instructions, technical standards, and training materials, to confirm they are clear, current, effective, and properly followed
• Support departmental improvement activities related to 5S, visual management, line balance, material flow, productivity improvement, waste reduction, and process control
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant technical guidelines, engineering change instructions, customer requirements, and internal standards needed to support assigned projects and process improvements
• Serve as a liaison between departments and support communication between production, quality, engineering, HR, maintenance, management, customers, suppliers, and related Futaba companies when assigned
• Manage multiple improvement activities or project tasks simultaneously while maintaining clear communication, accurate follow-up, and timely escalation when support is needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Basic to working knowledge of Toyota Production System principles, standardized work, Kaizen, 5S, visual management, problem solving, and waste reduction
• Ability to observe production processes, collect data, identify abnormalities, analyze process conditions, and communicate findings clearly
• Ability to assist with project coordination, milestone tracking, issue follow-up, and cross-functional communication
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation, reports, audit results, open issue lists, and follow-up records
• Basic computer skills for preparing reports, tracking audit results, maintaining TPS-related documentation, creating visual progress updates, and supporting project tracking
• Good communication, organizational, problem-solving, follow-up, and time-management skills
• Ability to support multiple assignments, manage changing priorities, and escalate issues when completion timing or project results are at risk
• Willingness to cross-train, support company-required overtime when needed, and follow company attendance, safety, and punctuality expectations

Compliance and Other Job Functions

• Comply with FIC safety policies and procedures
• Comply with applicable IATF 16949, ISO 14001, Futaba Global Standards, customer requirements, and internal procedures
• Follow standard work instructions and support 5S activities
• Support documentation control, audit readiness, and proper record retention for assigned TPS and project activities

Work Environment and Expectations

The OD/TPS Specialist & Project Facilitator is expected to spend significant time on the production floor observing processes, supporting improvement activities, validating project progress, and following up on assigned TPS and project actions. 

Other Job Functions

• Comply with FIC’s Safety policies and procedures
• Comply with TS 16949 and ISO 14001 procedures and standards
• Perform 5-S activities

Minimum Requirements

• Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Multilingual in English, Japanese, and or Spanish is highly desired
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Experience working in an automotive industry is preferred
• Knowledge of TPS practices is preferred
• ERP experience is preferred
• Valid license is required to drive between production facilities

Pay Range 75,000 - 95,000/year based on qualifications and experience

Benefits Offered

• Medical plans offered through Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Delta Dental, and VSP Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and Transit FSA
• 401(k) – Company will match 50% of the first 6% you contribute to your 401(k)
• Basic Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability paid by employer
• Optional Supplemental Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (Employee Paid)
• Vacation, Holiday, and Personal Days Paid

About FIC America Corp.

Established in 1994 by Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd., we have been in Carol Stream, IL from the beginning and added an additional facility in Bloomingdale, IL. A Japanese owned manufacturer of stamped and welded products, supplying the automotive industry with performance auto parts, related to emissions, fuel, and exhaust.

FIC America Corp. is an equal opportunity employer. FIC America Corp. does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status or any other attribute or characteristic protected by law.

We are unable to provide employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.