Continuous Improvement Engineer #hiringnow

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for leading initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost throughout General Stamping & Metalworks. This role works across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Sales to identify opportunities, eliminate waste, standardize processes, and implement sustainable improvements that support company growth and operational excellence.

The Continuous Improvement Engineer serves as a change agent within the organization, driving process improvements from concept through implementation and measuring results to ensure long-term success. This position will lead projects involving manufacturing processes, engineering changes, workflow optimization, automation, quality improvements, new product launches, and cost reduction initiatives.

This role requires a strong understanding of metal fabrication, stamping, welding, machining, and assembly processes, along with excellent project management, analytical, and communication skills.

Organizational Relationships and Authority

The Continuous Improvement Engineer reports directly to the Engineering Manager and works collaboratively with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Estimating, Sales, and Plant Leadership.

This position has no direct reports but is expected to lead cross-functional project teams and influence changes throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities – Continuous Improvement Engineer

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost reduction across manufacturing operations.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement solutions that eliminate waste, reduce downtime, improve throughput, and increase operational efficiency.
• Facilitate Lean Manufacturing activities, including Kaizen events, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and standard work development.
• Manage engineering and process change initiatives, ensuring accurate implementation of changes to routings, bills of material, manufacturing methods, tooling, and documentation.
• Analyze manufacturing data and performance metrics to identify trends, solve problems, and drive data-based decision making.
• Lead cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, including project planning, execution, tracking, and reporting of results.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Sales teams to improve manufacturability and operational performance.
• Support new product launches by developing and validating efficient manufacturing processes and ensuring production readiness.
• Evaluate and implement improvements in equipment, tooling, automation, technology, and workflow design.
• Drive corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts related to quality concerns, customer complaints, scrap reduction, and process variability.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standardized operating procedures.
• Promote a culture of accountability, problem solving, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Measure and communicate project results, including operational improvements and financial impact.
• Support ISO 9001 quality system requirements and ongoing operational excellence initiatives.

To perform this role successfully, the individual must possess strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills. The ability to influence others, manage change, and drive measurable improvements is critical for success.

The individual should maintain competency with:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• ERP Systems (PLEX preferred)
• CAD Software (SolidWorks preferred)
• Data analysis and reporting tools
• Manufacturing process documentation systems

Technical Knowledge

• Manufacturing process development and optimization
• Engineering change management
• Blueprint reading and GD&T
• Lean Manufacturing principles
• Root Cause Analysis
• Process Mapping
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Value Stream Mapping
• Continuous Improvement methodologies

Education

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.

Preferred

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
• Project Management certification (PMP or equivalent)
• Continuous Improvement certification

Experience

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, project management, continuous improvement, operations, or related technical roles.

Preferred

• Experience leading cross-functional improvement projects.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Experience implementing engineering changes and process improvements.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and customer quality systems.

General Stamping & Metalworks is a leading supplier of stampings and assemblies to the North American solar power industry, which is forecasting another decade of double-digit growth. In addition, we are a key supplier to market leaders in a diverse set of industries including outdoor power equipment, agricultural and construction equipment, recreational vehicles and industrial trucks.

GSM has been in business since 1922, and we realize that our employees spend a large portion of their lives working; therefore, we have invested in the finest facility and grounds in the fabricating industry. We also invest in state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and in our greatest resource, our employees.

What Makes Us Different

GSM is proud of our diverse, welcoming workforce, and we make every effort and investment to ensure their success and provide a path to build better lives. We offer:

• Excellent wages

• $2/hour shift premium for 2nd shift

• Tuition reimbursement program

• Cafeteria

• Fully equipped fitness center

• Locker rooms with showers

• Air-conditioned welding department

• Employee wellness initiatives (on-site flu vaccination, wellness care, and EAP resources)

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits

• 401(K), holiday pay, and vacation accrual that starts on the date of hire

• Advancement opportunities only a growing company can provide