What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer position at Kennametal?
Job Title: Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer
Location: Asheboro, NC
Job Summary:
The Operational Excellence Sr. Engineer leads complex continuous improvement initiatives and solves critical operational challenges using Lean methodologies, structured problem solving, and data-driven decision making across one or multiple plants. This role drives sustainable performance improvements, develops Lean capabilities within plant teams, and serves as a coach and advisor to support long-term operational excellence.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Lean COMPETENCES
- Leads complex problem-solving efforts to improve operational performance and eliminate waste.
- Serves as a subject matter expert in continuous improvement and Lean systems across one or multiple sites.
- Applies Advanced lean, six sigma, and Operational Excellence Methodologies to solve complex business and operational challenges.
- Builds Operational Excellence capability and promotes autonomous continuous improvement through coaching, training and application of lean principles in the following areas:
- Equipment Efficiency Losses
- Direct Labor Efficiency
- Scrap Reduction.
- WIP Reduction.
- Hoshin & VSM.
- 5S & Product Respect. (Standards)
Lean STRATEGIES
- Translates business objectives into actionable improvement initiatives aligned with operational priorities.
- Identifies, prioritizes, and leads cross-functional improvement opportunities.
- Supports deployment of Operational Excellence initiatives and best practices.
- Partners with operational leaders to strengthen performance and continuous improvement capability..
Lean GEMBA ACTIVITIES
- For the Fields of Competences listed above:
- Leads Gemba activities to Muda Hunting, process constraints, and improvement opportunities.
- Facilitates root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
- Detect Abnormalities vs. Lean Standards.
- Coaches teams in structured problem solving, Lean thinking, and continuous improvement practices.
Lean RESULTS
- Leads complex problem-solving efforts to improve operational performance and eliminate waste.
- Improves productivity, quality, lead time, inventory, and operational effectiveness.
- Develops autonomous continuous improvement capability within operational teams
- Replicates successful practices and improvement methodologies with the Site & Portfolio Business Unit Representatives.
Education, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates
- At least 8 Years in Production/Manufacturing, Mechanical/Process/Industrial Engineering Related Experience. Multiple or Large Sites’ Lean Workshop Management Experience.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification through American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a plus.
- Knowledge and Practice Experience of the Following Tools:
- Strong Problem Solving, Communication & Coaching Skills.
- 5S, Zoning & Visual Management
- Standard Work and Cycle Time Management.
- Muda Hunting
- Pull Flow/Kanban
- SMED
- TPM
- VSM