Position SummaryThe Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for leading data-driven initiatives that improve product quality, reduce scrap and rework, increase yield, and improve efficiency and throughput throughout the production value stream and across supporting business functions. The position will work closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and other departments to identify opportunities, determine root causes, implement sustainable solutions, and establish standards that improve safety, delivery, cost, and performance.
Responsibilities:- Develop and lead a company-wide continuous improvement roadmap to reduce scrap, rework, defects, variation, and operating costs while improving quality, efficiency, yield, throughput, and on-time delivery throughout the production value stream.
- Analyze production and quality data, including scrap, rework, first-pass yield, cost of poor quality, cycle time, downtime, and process capability, to identify trends and prioritize improvement opportunities.
- Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action using methods such as 5 Whys, fishbone analysis, 8D, Pareto analysis, and statistical problem-solving tools.
- Partner with Quality and Operations to investigate nonconformances and recurring defects, implement corrective and preventive actions, and verify that improvements remain effective over time.
- Provide hands-on support on the manufacturing floor by observing processes, engaging employees, testing solutions, and removing barriers to consistent performance.
- Evaluate and optimize processes throughout the production value stream, from material preparation through final inspection and shipment, with a focus on improving workflow, capacity, cycle time, quality, and throughput.
- Identify the sources of scrap, rework, defects, delays, and process variation at each stage of production; implement effective controls and sustainable improvements that prevent recurrence.
- Facilitate Lean improvement activities, including Kaizen events, value-stream mapping, 5S, standard work, visual management, waste reduction, and process-flow improvements.
- Develop, document, and standardize manufacturing processes, work instructions, control methods, and performance expectations to improve repeatability and accountability.
- Establish baselines, targets, dashboards, and regular reporting for key performance indicators; communicate progress, risks, savings, and results to leadership and affected teams.
- Evaluate workflow, facility layout, material movement, work-in-process, setup practices, scheduling, and handoffs to reduce delays, bottlenecks, and non-value-added activity.
- Collaborate across departments to improve administrative and operational processes, including planning, purchasing, inventory, order flow, documentation, and internal communication.
- Evaluate tooling, fixtures, equipment, automation, and technology improvements; prepare cost-benefit analyses and support implementation of approved investments.
- Support new product introduction and process changes by applying quality-at-the-source principles, risk analysis, process controls, and lessons learned.
- Train and coach employees and supervisors on Lean tools, problem-solving, standard work, and process discipline to build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement.
- Ensure improvement activities align with applicable safety requirements, customer specifications, ISO/Quality Management System requirements, and company policies.
Qualifications/Requirements:- Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
- Minimum 2-3 years and preferred experience 5-7 years in continuous improvement, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, or process engineering within an industrial manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated success delivering measurable improvements in scrap reduction, quality, yield, productivity, cycle time, cost, or throughput.
- Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methods; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.
- Working knowledge of quality tools and systems, including ISO 9001 and/or AS9100, SPC, process capability, PFMEA, control plans, corrective action, and root-cause analysis.
- Experience using data-analysis and reporting tools such as advanced Excel, Power BI, ERP/MES systems, or equivalent applications.
- Experience in carbon graphite, ceramics, powder processing, machining, or another process-intensive manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Ability to translate data and observations into practical solutions and sustain improvements through documentation, training, follow-up, and accountability.
- Strong project-management, facilitation, communication, and change-management skills, with the ability to influence teams across all levels and functions.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and spend significant time on the manufacturing floor.
