Continuous Improvement Engineer

Continuous Improvement Engineer

Eaton's Electrical division is currently seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our team in Richmond, VA. Relocation assistance available within US.

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for creating cycles of improvement throughout the organization by leading continuous improvement / cost-out projects, manufacturing engineering and other operations excellence initiatives.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $71,000 - $105,000 a year. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

What You'll Do:

• Implement and lead lean manufacturing concepts and lean tools throughout the enterprise, including value stream mapping, structured problem solving, root cause analysis, 5s+, work instructions, etc.
• Lead operational improvement events (kaizen, gemba, rapid improvement events, process improvement, etc) with multi-functional teams from concept to implementation.
• Achieve facility wide cost out targets through improvement projects, waste reduction, best practice sharing / implementation, and other programs.
• Evaluate, analyze and improve operations and engineering processes using fundamentally sound manufacturing principles to ensure excellence in safety, efficiency, productivity, cost reduction and quality.
• Initiate, develop and lead capital improvement projects including manufacturing equipment, facility enhancements and new product start-ups.
• Foster a continuous improvement culture throughout the business by creating, leading and communicating opportunities for quality, productivity, flow and safety improvement.
• Support new product development with manufacturing feasibility and industrialization activities including production layout, materials and costing for new products.
• Other duties as assigned

This Role Could Be The Next Step In Your Career If You Demonstrate The Following Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 1 year of experience in continuous improvement, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, operations excellence, or manufacturing operations within a manufacturing environment.

You Will Set Yourself Apart By Demonstrating Some Or All Of The Following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, operations management, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in high-mix/low-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience using Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytical tools.
• Experience managing projects utilizing Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Planner, or equivalent project management tools.
• Lean manufacturing and/or six sigma certification (green belt preferred).
• Experience facilitating kaizen events and continuous improvement workshops.
• Knowledge of value stream mapping, standard work, 5s, visual management, and root cause analysis methodologies.

Keys To Role Success:

• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, six sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including assembly and pull systems.
• Ability to analyze operational and manufacturing data, apply structured problem-solving methods, and drive data-based decisions.
• Experience with process mapping, workflow design, facility layout optimization, and AutoCAD.
• Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term improvement initiatives and immediate operational priorities.
• Effective communication, presentation, collaboration, and influencing skills across all organizational levels.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, urgency, and results orientation.
• Proficient with computers and standard business applications.
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.