Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description Job Description The Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer is part of the company’s Corporate Engineering team and may be based at one of the following plant locations: Monroe, Ohio; Jackson, Tennessee; Somerset, Kentucky; or Valparaiso, Indiana. This role will lead plant-level continuous improvement initiatives while also supporting new product launch activities. The Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer will serve as the primary resource for Continuous Improvement training, help plants sustain gains achieved through CI efforts, support kaizen events, and drive best-practice standardization across all plant locations. This position will also support new product launches to ensure plants achieve key cost sheet KPIs at start of production, including labor content, cycle time, parts per hour, and scrap levels. Key Responsibilities Serve as the company’s subject matter expert for Continuous Improvement. Plan, lead, and participate in kaizen events focused on cycle time analysis, brainstorming, problem solving, standard work, setup reduction, 5S, cell layout, visual management, and error-proofing. Coach, train, and mentor Continuous Improvement team members on TPS and CI principles. Support implementation and standardization of best practices across all plant locations through regular communication and plant visits. Partner with production operations to improve manufacturing efficiency using process improvement methods, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and kaizen tools. Update and maintain Continuous Improvement procedures and standards within the Docushare database. Support product launch activities to ensure manufacturing processes are developed to meet all cost sheet KPIs, including labor content, cycle time, parts per hour, and scrap levels. Maintain systems used to collect and report trial production data for launch report cards. Develop clear work instructions, training materials, and system designs to ensure improvements are sustained. Support Agile-related launch tasks, including environmental and safety analysis, process layouts, trial reports, and PFMEAs. Provide feedback to Corporate Project Engineering and Tooling Engineering Managers to help improve equipment and tooling standards based on plant best practices. Promote safety, efficiency, and operational excellence across all plants. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong TPS and Continuous Improvement background, with the ability to coach, mentor, and train others. 3 to 8 years of experience in continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment. Strong technical aptitude with a solid understanding of manufacturing systems, equipment, and processes. Hands-on troubleshooting experience with complex manufacturing equipment. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply mathematical and scientific principles to practical manufacturing challenges. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as Internet tools, AutoCAD, and other design software. Required Knowledge Toyota Production System (TPS) and Continuous Improvement principles Lean Manufacturing AutoCAD Travel Requirement Up to 50% travel required