Continuous Improvement Engineer

Continuous Improvement Engineer

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and innovative coatings. We have recently been awarded the Top Workplaces Award by the WI State Journal - No. 2 Large Employer and the Benefits Award. CQC has been growing double digits annually because of our flexibility, commitment, respect and integrity, and we are looking for quality individuals to join our team. Working for a family-owned company provides you with the opportunity to wear many different "hats," make a difference every day, and have fun doing it! We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in Southern Wisconsin and offering our employees a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits.

We are currently accepting applications for a Continuous Improvement Engineer in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Watertown, WI, conveniently located between Madison and Milwaukee.

This is a regular, full-time exempt position. It reports to the Engineering Manager and requires up to 10% travel.

Benefits include:

• Health, dental, vision insurance (low deductible and copays, LASIK reimbursement, adults orthodontics)
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) match – up to 5%
• Paid vacation, personal and volunteer days plus 11 holidays
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Wellness: free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and run/walk/bike event reimbursement, free wellness checks
• Scholarships – employee, spouse, and children
• College savings match – 529 plans
• Summer camp reimbursement – children of employees
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee appreciation events
• Onsite fitness facility
• Free chocolate and coating!
• Annual bonus potential – 5%+

Job Summary: The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for driving continuous improvement and operational excellence within CQC's flagship Watertown production facility. This role leads data-driven initiatives to improve safety, quality, capacity, and cost performance through the application of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. The Continuous Improvement Engineer partners cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, and Quality to identify and eliminate waste, reduce process variability, and build sustainable systems that improve overall plant performance. This role focuses on developing standard work, strengthening process capability, and building organizational problem-solving skills.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Continuous improvement & six sigma
• Lead improvement initiatives within the Watertown facility focused on OEE, cost, yield, and throughput.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of improvement opportunities aligned with plant goals.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, root cause analysis).
• Process expertise
• Optimization and performance validation
• Provide daily technical support to production and maintenance teams
• Troubleshoot process, product, and equipment issues to minimize downtime
• Develop and standardize best practices to ensure consistent product quality and performance
• Coaching & capability building
• Train and coach operations and maintenance teams on CI tools.
• Develop standard work and sustain improvements.
• Data & systems
• Utilize OEE and performance metrics to drive improvements.
• Conduct time studies and process evaluations.
• Cross-functional support
• Partner with Operations, Quality, R&D and Engineering teams within the plant.
• Maintain regular attendance at work, and work overtime as needed.
• Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor, while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education / Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related discipline), or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing or CI experience with demonstrated results.
• Experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods is preferred.
• Experience or certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with plant operating systems is a plus.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; Microsoft Project preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and apply Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), and equipment/layout drawings to support system design, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and industrial engineering principles.

Skills and abilities:

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail
• Technical aptitude with a willingness to learn and adopt new technologies
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

CQC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.