Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Description

Position Summary:

The goal of this position is to demonstrate maximum efficiency within a manufacturing facility. As our manufacturing technology, automation and opportunity for optimization increase, we must transfer knowledge, network and leverage best practices within our manufacturing sites as we continue to develop a Lean Management System to run our facilities, as well as optimizing plant performance by ensuring a flawless implementation of the Operational Excellence.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities:

• Bridge the gap between technical and operational teams, executing CI solutions that move operations beyond current state to next-level efficiency.
• Manage the CI budget to ensure projects return maximum savings using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Drive the implementation of Operational Excellence (OPX360) within the facilities.
• Develop an OPX360 auditing strategy to ensure program growth and sustainability.
• Conduct weekly and monthly presentations to group leaders and CI leadership regarding readiness levels and capabilities.
• Drive sustainable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• Develop a Continuous Improvement Strategy, including plans, schedules, and budgets for process improvement projects.
• Ensure adherence to Lean Methodology including Kaizen, SS, Standard Work, Daily Management, Layered Audits, and Business Plan development.
• Possess knowledge in SS, SMED, TPM, VSM, PDCA, A3 problem solving.
• Ensure leadership has standard work and training to support new technologies and business process changes.
• Oversee training at all levels in the OPX360 methodology.
• Partner with Operating Unit CI Manager to ensure project completion on time and on budget.
• Provide Cl training and ensure responsibilities are clearly defined, and lean projects are supported.
• Establish metrics to monitor financial savings against goals and targets.
• Identify ongoing lean improvement needs and coordinate required training.

Skills and Competencies:

• Safety: Demonstrates a safety-first mindset in all situations.
• Leadership: Motivates and retains diverse talent; strong leadership presence.
• Operations Acumen: Outstanding business judgment; balances risk and stability.
• Top Talent/Team Development: Coaches, mentors, and accelerates team development.
• Learning Agility: Growth mindset with willingness to learn.
• Cost Effectiveness: Proven experience improving productivity and reducing costs.
• Collaborative/Decisive: Encourages open dialogue across contributors and stakeholders.
• Critical Thinking: Able to integrate complex information and challenge conventional wisdom.
• Interpersonal: Builds strong relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Organization: Manages time well, handles multiple projects, and strong follow-through.
• Maturity: Balances risk and judgment; delegates appropriately.
• Strategy/Vision: Acts as a key strategic partner with plant leadership.
• Ethics: Demonstrates unquestionable integrity and high moral standards.

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree (Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related Technical Discipline).
• 5+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing environment preferred. CI-dedicated experience preferred.
• 5+ years of plastics manufacturing experience. Preferred background in Extrusion and Thermoforming.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing process skills/experience.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Processes, Automation, and SAP strongly preferred.
• Analytical skills and understanding of problem-solving techniques/tools.
• Data-driven, disciplined, objective, and detail-oriented.
• Strong project management skills; ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish highly desired.
• Advanced computer knowledge with MS Office applications (Excel, Access, etc.) and other computer tools and software.
• Must be willing to travel to the Company's manufacturing sites to support projects and initiatives between sites in Bedford Park, IL.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screen.

Physical Requirement and Work Environment:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and stoop for extended periods.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, dusty, or noisy conditions.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Compensation:

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $125-135,000 + bonus + benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. At Novolex, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The benefits for this role include 401(k) plan with company match, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, paid vacation, and sick days, paid parental leave, paid holidays and wellness program.