Continuous Improvement Engineer - Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Continuous Improvement Engineer – Manufacturing

DEPARTMENT: Manufacturing REPORTS TO (Title): Director of Operations

Staging Dimensions is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to identify, develop, and implement process improvements that increase manufacturing efficiency, productivity, quality, and profitability. This position will focus on the manufacturing of stage decks, staging equipment, and custom-fabricated products. The Continuous Improvement Engineer will work closely with the Director of Operations, Shop Manager, and manufacturing personnel to evaluate existing processes, reduce waste, improve workflow, and establish consistent manufacturing practices. The ideal candidate will be hands-on, analytical, and capable of developing practical solutions to improve production performance in a fast-paced, custom manufacturing environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify, evaluate, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Analyze existing manufacturing processes for stage decks, staging components, and custom-built products to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
• Work closely with the Director of Operations and Shop Manager to develop and implement strategies to improve production efficiency, labor utilization, and profitability.
• Evaluate manufacturing workflows, production layouts, material handling, and equipment utilization to improve shop operations.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, standard work, visual management, Kaizen, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Review production processes to identify opportunities to reduce labor hours, setup times, material waste, scrap, and rework.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process documentation to ensure consistency throughout manufacturing operations.
• Analyze production data, labor reports, job costing, and operational metrics to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators to measure productivity, production throughput, quality, labor efficiency, and on-time completion of jobs.
• Work with manufacturing personnel to improve cutting, fabrication, welding, assembly, finishing, and packaging processes, as applicable to the products being manufactured.
• Identify opportunities to improve the manufacturing of custom jobs by standardizing repeatable processes, improving job setup, and reducing unnecessary production delays.
• Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, inventory control, and production personnel to improve material availability, inventory utilization, and production scheduling.
• Conduct root cause analysis of manufacturing issues, quality defects, production delays, and recurring operational problems.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring issues and improve product quality.
• Evaluate existing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing methods to identify opportunities for improved productivity, safety, and quality.
• Assist with the evaluation and implementation of new manufacturing equipment, automation, and technology to improve production capabilities.
• Work with the Shop Manager to identify employee training needs related to new processes, procedures, equipment, and manufacturing standards.
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented improvements and report results, cost savings, and productivity gains to management.
• Identify opportunities to improve workplace organization, ergonomics, material flow, and compliance with applicable safety requirements.
• Support the development of a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, teamwork, and problem-solving throughout the manufacturing operation.
• Ensure process improvements are properly documented, communicated, and maintained over time.
• Work nights, evenings, and weekends when necessary.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of continuous improvement methodologies, Lean Manufacturing principles, and process optimization.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to evaluate manufacturing processes and develop practical improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, fabrication, assembly, material handling, and production workflow.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, bills of materials, and work instructions.
• Strong understanding of production metrics, labor efficiency, job costing, and performance measurement.
• Experience with process mapping, root cause analysis, 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and corrective action plans.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and quality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, for production data analysis and reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems, manufacturing software, and production tracking systems preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple improvement projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with management and shop-floor employees.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow improvement projects through to completion.
• Strong change management skills and the ability to gain employee participation and support when implementing new processes.

JOB TYPE: Full-time

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, process improvement, or a related manufacturing role preferred.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.
• Experience in fabrication, metalworking, woodworking, assembly, or custom manufacturing preferred.
• Experience working in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Experience analyzing production data, labor utilization, workflow, and manufacturing costs preferred.
• Experience with process documentation, standard operating procedures, and performance metrics preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent training preferred.
• Experience with automation, manufacturing equipment improvements, and production layout optimization is a plus.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant manufacturing experience may be considered.

WORK LOCATION:  One Location

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands; talk or hear; and remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time. The employee is also required to stand, walk throughout the manufacturing facility, reach with hands and arms, and observe manufacturing processes on the production floor. The employee must have the ability to effectively communicate with management, production personnel, and other employees. Specific

vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to stay alert and attentive while observing manufacturing operations and operating a computer, phone, and other essential equipment as required. The position requires regular exposure to a manufacturing environment, where noise levels may be moderate to high and appropriate personal protective equipment may be required.

EMPLOYMENT

As a condition of employment, any successful job applicant may be required to successfully complete a background investigation, physical examination, and drug screening, consistent with applicable law and company policy.

Equal Opportunity Employer