What are the responsibilities and job description for the Continuous Improvement Engineer position at LAPP?
LAPP is a family-owned company headquartered in Stuttgart and a global leader in cable and connection technology. Founded in 1959, we are still fully family-owned today. With around 5,800 employees, we are operating in over 80 countries – globally connected and regionally rooted. Working at LAPP means more: this is where inventive spirit and a hands-on mentality meet cherished values and tradition. We offer all employees the freedom to develop and pursue new opportunities. Flexibility and personal responsibility are just as important to us as a family-friendly work environment. We value all our colleagues with their talents, ideas and perspectives.
SUMMARY: The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for driving operational excellence across all areas of the manufacturing site. This individual will work closely with the plant manager, functional leaders and frontline operators to identify and execute improvements that increase safety, quality, efficiency, capacity and cost effectiveness. Using proven Lean and Six Sigma tools, the engineer will evaluate processes, lead cross functional projects, mentor plant personnel and embed a culture of continuous improvement throughout the facility .
Essential Duties and Responsibilities – include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives: Lead plant wide projects focused on improving safety, quality, schedule adherence, cost, capacity and employee engagement. Identify inefficiencies and recommend solutions to improve or prevent recurrence using Lean, DMAIC, FMEA, SMED, root cause analysis and Kaizen methodologies.
• Embed Lean principles: Develop, maintain and enhance the Continuous Improvement (CI) operating system, including the LAPP Operating System (LOS), problem solving frameworks and standard work. Facilitate Kaizen events and 5S activities, promote waste elimination and implement value added solutions to achieve performance targets.
• Data driven analysis: Conduct time studies, value stream mapping, capacity and cycle time analyses to understand bottlenecks and opportunities. Collect and analyze data to measure the impact of improvement initiatives, determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Standardize processes: Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures and visual management tools (Tier boards, KPIs and dashboards) to ensure sustainability. Coordinate capital projects and process improvements, ensuring alignment with plant goals.
• Coach and mentor employees: Train and mentor plant personnel—from senior leadership to frontline operators—on Lean/TPM tools, problem solving techniques, root cause analysis and leader standard work . Act as a change agent by challenging wasteful practices and inspiring a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross functionally: Partner with production, engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain and other departments to identify improvement opportunities, prioritize projects and drive results. Establish strong relationships with frontline operators to gain insight into day to day challenges and ensure buy in for changes.
• Communicate progress: Track and report the status of improvement activities, develop visual presentations and metrics dashboards, and regularly update plant management on project outcomes.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
COMPETENCIES
• Maintains skills to effectively plan, execute, and monitor lean improvement projects, ensuring they are completed within scope, on time, and within budget.
• Proficiency in collecting and analyzing data related to manufacturing processes, performance metrics, and quality standards. Utilize data-driven decision-making to identify improvement opportunities.
• Possesses capability to identify root causes of issues and implement corrective and preventive actions. Utilize problem-solving methodologies such as PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) or DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control).
• Experience in managing and facilitating organizational change as lean principles are introduced or adapted within the company.
• Strong leadership skills to guide cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with employees at all levels, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Leads by example. Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to design and deliver training programs to educate employees on lean principles, tools, and techniques.
• Demonstrated interest and initiative to stay up to date with the latest developments in lean manufacturing and related fields.
• Ability to document process changes, improvements, and results. Prepare reports and presentations to communicate progress and achievements to management.
• Upholds organizational values.
• Adheres to company policies and procedures and maintains a professional appearance.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university, preferably with a focus on Business Management, Operations, or Engineering; Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) is preferred .
• Experience: 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment implementing continuous improvement initiatives, Lean/Six Sigma or TPM . Demonstrated success in leading cross functional teams and Kaizen events, with a track record of measurable improvements.
o Deep knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools such as value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, TPM and PDCA .
o Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software (e.g., Excel, Minitab) and ability to develop KPIs and visual metrics.
o Ability to perform root cause analysis, FMEA and problem solving techniques to address quality and process issues .
o Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing software .
• Interpersonal skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels—from plant management to frontline operators. Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor and build consensus across diverse teams.
• Project management: Strong organizational and project management skills; able to prioritize multiple projects, manage timelines and deliver results . Results driven mindset with a bias for action and continuous learning.
• Safety and quality focus: Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
LANGUAGE SKILLS
• Fluent in the English language both verbal and written.
• Ability to effectively present information to all levels of management and staff.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to work with mathematical concepts, financial ratios, and business equations. Possess strong analytical skills.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
COMPUTER SKILLS: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of MS Office and project management software. Familiarity with operating systems experience in SAP is preferred.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
COMPENSATION: After thorough market analysis, LAPP takes many factors into consideration when determining base salary such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, etc. of the candidate. The base salary range for this role is $110,000 - $115,000 plus participation in LAPP's bonus plan. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Vision, Dental, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401(k), HSA/FSA, Life Insurance, and more!
*LAPP is an Equal Opportunity Employer*
Salary : $110,000 - $115,000