Continuous Improvement Specialist

General Summary:

The Continuous Improvement Specialist supports manufacturing excellence initiatives within an aluminum extrusion and coatings operation by improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. This role partners closely with extrusion, finishing, coatings, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams to eliminate waste, reduce scrap and rework, improve equipment effectiveness, and standardize best practices using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma across extrusion, anodizing, powder coating, and finishing operations.

• Reduce scrap, rework, downtime, and process variation while improving yield, material flow, and changeover performance.

• Analyze and manage performance using KPIs such as OEE, scrap, rework, on-time delivery, and safety; develop dashboards and reports for leadership. 

• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and EH&S to resolve process issues, support CAPA, and ensure stable production.

• Support new product and process introductions by ensuring capable, repeatable, and compliant manufacturing processes.

• Train and coach employees on Lean principles, facilitate kaizen events, promote a safety-first culture, and sustain improvements through standardization and audits.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 5 years of experience in continuous improvement or manufacturing operations

• Experience in metal manufacturing, aluminum extrusion, or industrial coatings preferred

• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing and root cause analysis tools

• Strong analytical, facilitation, and communication skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and basic data analysis tools

• Public speaking skills required along with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to perform math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt a plus)

• 10 years of experience

• Experience with aluminum extrusion presses, anodizing lines, powder coating, or finishing operations

• Familiarity with SPC, FMEA, PFMEA, and process capability studies

• Understanding of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar quality management systems

• Experience improving equipment reliability and collaborating with maintenance teams

Why Join Us?

At Crystal Finishing Systems, we offer more than a career:

• Competitive Pay to recognize your talent.

• Career Growth opportunities to help you achieve your goals.

• Comprehensive Benefits including health insurance, 401(k) with company match, and PTO.

• On-Site Health Clinics for your peace of mind

Apply today and be part of a culture that never stops getting better.

THE FINE PRINT

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screen. Crystal Finishing Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all team members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Crystal Finishing Systems participates in E-Verify.