Continuous Improvement Manager

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $132,100 to $154,100 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager. The Continuous Improvement Manager will lead initiatives that drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, enhance quality, and reduce waste across the organization. This role partners with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement, implement sustainable solutions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement through the application of Lean principles, root cause analysis, and data-driven decision-making. The position is responsible for company wide lean training, leading strategic improvement projects, monitoring performance metrics, and ensuring initiatives deliver measurable results that support organizational goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Lead strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Identify process bottlenecks and implement sustainable solutions to improve performance.
• Facilitate Lean events, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement projects.
• Analyze operational metrics and trends to identify opportunities for cost reduction and waste elimination.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective action efforts for recurring issues.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to optimize processes and workflows.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure improvement project success.
• Standardize best practices and ensure consistent implementation across departments.
• Train and mentor employees on Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Present project results, recommendations, and improvement plans to leadership.
• Drive a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and operational excellence.
• Assumes all other responsibilities as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are non-exhaustive qualifications for the position: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or related technical field
• 4 years of experience in a Manufacturing Engineering, Production Engineering, and/or Continuous Improvement type Professional Role
• Experience using and Training others in Kaizen (continuous improvement), A3 (problem solving), Poka Yoke (error proofing) techniques for process improvement.
• Strong people and communication skills, willing to work with others
• Ability to draft, read, and interpret technical drawings
• Ability to lead and mentor a team of engineers.
• Track record of driving standardization, simplification & continuous improvement across key business processes
• Project management skills Strong project management skills and ability to lead complex projects to positive results

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven leadership and mentoring skills
• Certification in Continuous Improvement such as Lean Six Sigma Black or Green Belt
• Preparing and presenting technical presentations to leadership
• Knowledge with composite structures and processes (prepreg hand layup, wet hand layup, finishing, trimming, tooling)

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.