Continuous Improvement Engineer

Make an Impact With Us

At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. The CI Engineer (Operational Excellence) is tasked with the facilitation and deployment of the Vallourec Management System, with primary focus on lean management. The position is based out of our Youngstown, OH facility. They will assist department leaders in identification, prioritization and implementation of projects that improve key business indicators. They will monitor, facilitate, lead, and train all team members in our Lean Management system, including but not limited to methods such as 5S, TPM, standardization, workflow analysis, value stream mapping and six sigma. The CI Engineer will track overall improvement progress and report as necessary to executive management.

Your Role at a Glance

• Lead and/or facilitate all continuous improvement efforts associated with Safety, Quality, Operational Excellence and Cost.
• Work with Youngstown department managers to identify, prioritize and execute on projects that improve their key performance indicators.
• Lead the development and implementation of all levels of the hourly Skill Based Development program as it relates to Lean and Six Sigma methods.
• Coordinate the content of all Lean training materials and lead the implementation of a structured target training program for improvement teams.
• Support cross-site and cross-functional efforts to improve shared business processes – both transactional and operational
• Help units to identify key performance indicators and develop tools to improve them (flow complexity, purchasing methods, and value analysis of process)
• Hold teammates accountable for the good deliverance and sustainability of improvement results. Assure the appropriate performance indicators are in place and that teams have been provided with adequate knowledge to achieve and maintain their improvements.
• Utilize process experts, department leaders and steering committees as needed to generate improvement ideas and accomplish key objectives.
• Lead the effort to streamline processes across all Vallourec Star Sites. Coordinate and report status of improvement efforts and results to allow for easy reporting to executive leadership.
• Lead team members to deploy the appropriate Safety / Quality / Delivery / Cost / People metrics and management routines at all levels of the organization.
• Perform Six Sigma projects and act as expert/coach for other members seeking Six Sigma certification.
• Assist leadership in the planning, development, coordination, support, and execution of strategic planning process, and take ownership of high impact (immediate and long term) improvement projects.
• Lead benchmarking and the exchange of knowledge and best practices in relation to lean and Six Sigma methodologies with Vallourec Group steering committees and other entities

What Sets You Apart

We’re looking for individuals who bring the right mix of experience, mindset, and motivation:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business related study.
• Six Sigma training/certification preferred.
• Past experience in industrial manufacturing environment.
• Mathematical skills – basic knowledge and application of statistics and algebra
• Reasoning ability – ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to facilitate a team of cross-functional expertise.
• Ability to influence employees at any level of an organization.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and ability to summarize efforts in clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrate high energy, trustworthiness, and be goal oriented.
• Knowledge of Change Management or Change Acceleration Processes

What Powers Your Performance

Success in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who:

• Communicate clearly and constructively
• Collaborate effectively and contribute to team success
• Adapt to change with a positive, proactive mindset
• Take accountability and show initiative in their work
• Demonstrate reliability and pride in performance
• Prioritize safety and act with awareness
• Embrace feedback and use it to grow
• Maintain high attention to detail
• Drive continuous improvement and challenge the status quo
• Support and develop others through shared learning

How We Support Your Success

We’re committed to helping you thrive- on the job and beyond. That’s why we offer a collaborative culture where your ideas drive real change, and career mobility within a stable, essential industry. To support your growth and well-being, we also provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability
• Profit Sharing: Up to 4%
• 401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting period
• Paid Parental Leave: For birthing and non-birthing parents, including adoptions
• Paid Holidays: 10 days, plus 1 personal floating holiday
• Paid Vacation Time
• Discretionary Performance-Based Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement