Continuous Improvement Engineer

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Engineer leads strategic improvement initiatives across the facility by identifying constraints within value streams and implementing sustainable solutions that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This role champions Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, driving a culture of continuous improvement through waste elimination, process standardization, employee engagement, and data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate is passionate about developing people, improving processes, and finding smarter, more efficient ways to work.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects throughout the facility based on identified constraints within value streams.
• Develop and maintain Value Stream Maps to identify improvement opportunities and prioritize Lean initiatives.
• Facilitate Standard Work development and lead cross-functional teams to establish, document, and sustain standardized processes.
• Drive cultural transformation through Kaizen events and by training employees on Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, tools, and methodologies.
• Manage multiple improvement projects by developing detailed project plans, monitoring progress, meeting deadlines, and achieving business objectives.
• Lead initiatives to improve workplace organization through 5S, Visual Management, and 3D workplace optimization techniques.
• Lead setup reduction projects utilizing SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) principles to reduce changeover times and increase equipment effectiveness.
• Identify and eliminate waste throughout manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and build consensus to successfully implement change.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to positively influence others while overcoming resistance to change.
• Support plant quality systems and continuous improvement objectives related to safety, quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Support all plant safety initiatives and ensure continuous improvement activities align with company safety standards.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Comply with all company policies and applicable corporate, local, state, and federal regulations.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Standard Work, 5S, Visual Management, SMED, and waste elimination.
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma principles and process improvement tools.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and leadership abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence change and build positive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and data analysis tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Lean and/or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

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