Continuous Improvement Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY: The Continuous Improvement Engineer is a key change agent responsible for helping transform the facility into a disciplined, high-performing Lean manufacturing operation. This role goes beyond traditional process improvement. The Continuous Improvement Engineer works directly with plant leadership, supervisors, engineers, and frontline employees to identify waste, solve problems, establish standard work, improve flow, and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:• Lead and support the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles throughout the facility.• Identify and eliminate waste across manufacturing and support processes.• Develop future-state processes focused on flow, takt, pull, standard work, and visual management.• Conduct Value Stream Mapping (VSM) activities to identify improvement opportunities and establish transformation roadmaps.• Support the transition from traditional batch manufacturing toward one-piece flow and smaller lot production where appropriate.• Evaluate plant layouts, material movement, work sequencing, and operator utilization to improve overall flow.• Plan, facilitate, and execute Kaizen events focused on measurable operational problems.• Maintain a pipeline of improvement opportunities tied directly to plant priorities.• Ensure Kaizen activity produces documented improvements rather than simply completing events.• Develop before-and-after measurements for improvement activities.• Establish action plans, owners, due dates, and follow-up processes to ensure improvements are sustained.• Encourage frontline employees to identify and lead improvement opportunities.• Establish measurable glide paths from current-state performance to future-state targets.• Develop and implement Standard Work with the employees performing the work.• Establish standard work for operators, team leaders, supervisors, and critical manufacturing processes.• Conduct time observations and process studies to identify variation and waste.• Establish cycle-time expectations and compare performance against takt requirements.• Develop standard work combination sheets, process capacity analysis, work instructions, and visual standards where appropriate.• Create practical auditing systems to verify that standards remain in place after implementation.• Help establish a plant-wide Daily Management System.• Develop visual management boards that clearly communicate Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Problem Solving.• Support daily accountability meetings and tiered escalation processes.• Teach leaders to identify abnormalities quickly and respond with structured problem solving.• Help move the organization from managing through meetings and spreadsheets to managing visually at the point of work.• Lead and coach structured problem-solving activities using tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, A3 Thinking, PDCA, and Pareto Analysis.• Develop employees and supervisors to solve problems themselves rather than becoming dependent on the continuous improvement function.• Ensure corrective actions address root causes instead of symptoms.• Track recurring operational issues and escalating systemic problems requiring cross-functional support.• Build employee engagement by involving frontline employees in improvements affecting their work.• Create an environment where identifying problems is encouraged rather than avoided.• Help shift the culture from reactive firefighting to proactive problem solving.• Reinforce ownership, accountability, urgency, and follow-through.• Coach leaders to ask questions and develop people rather than simply provide answers.• Recognize and communicate employee-driven improvements.• Help employees understand the connection between their work and plant performance.• Support the development of a culture where problems are visible, standards matter, and continuous improvement is everyone’s responsibility. *Coach supervisors and managers on Lean leadership behaviors.• Conduct Lean training for hourly and salaried employees.• Teach leaders how to conduct effective Gemba walks.• Develop leaders' ability to recognize waste and process abnormalities.• Coach supervisors on Standard Work, visual management, accountability, and problem solving.• Help establish Leader Standard Work.• Identify potential Lean champions throughout the organization and develop their capabilities.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:N/AEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations, or related discipline; equivalent manufacturing/Lean experience may be considered.• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing. Industrial Engineering, Operations Excellence, or related roles.• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean manufacturing principles.• Experience facilitating Kaizen or structured improvement events.• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.• Ability to work effectively with hourly employees, supervisors, engineers, and senior leadership.• Strong communication and facilitation skills.• Ability to influence change without relying solely on positional authority.• Experience supporting a manufacturing turnaround or Lean transformation.• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.• Experience with Value Stream Mapping.• Experience implementing Standard Work and Leader Standard Work.• Experience with one-piece flow, cellular manufacturing, line balancing, and takt-time analysis.• Experience developing visual management and Daily Management Systems.• Experience with 3P, TPM, SMED, or similar Lean methodologies.• Experience in fabricated metal, welding, assembly, automotive, heavy equipment, trailer, or defense manufacturing environments.SKILLS:• Commitment to a safety culture where safety is the first consideration before starting any task.• Focus on quality and attention to detail.• Proficient in problem analysis, problem solving, and successful resolution.• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and group communication skills.• Proven ability to develop high-performance teams.WORK ENVIRONMENT:• Performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing areas where personal protective equipment is required, including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, and other mandatory safety equipment.• For the most part, work is performed in ambient temperatures with typical plant lighting and manufacturing equipment present throughout the facility.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:• Sit or stand as needed.• Walk primarily on level surfaces for periodic periods throughout the day.• Reach above shoulder height, below the waist, or lift as required to access documents or store materials throughout the workday. *Use proper lifting techniques as required.SAFETY AND POLICY PRACTICES:The employee in this job must be knowledgeable of the Company’s safety policies and procedures as described in the Company safety manual. The employee must adhere to all applicable policies and procedures while supporting the goals and objectives of the organization and recognizing the Company’s need to achieve its business objectives. The employee is responsible for complying with company hazardous waste disposal procedures.Affirmative Action: All terms and conditions of employment will be administered without regard to an individual’s sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.Job SummaryRequisition Number: CONTI003054Job Category: EngineeringSchedule: Full-Time