Job DescriptionThe Continuous Improvement Engineer (CI Engineer) is responsible for driving measurable and sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity across the EMTEK manufacturing operation. This role serves as a key enabler of EMTEK's Lean transformation, supporting the Lean Focus launch, model-line development, and ongoing Continuous Improvement (CI) roadmap.
The CI Engineer works directly with operations leadership, production teams, and cross-functional partners to identify waste, improve process flow, standardize work, and embed Lean behaviors into daily operations. This is an individual contributor role with strong shop-floor presence and high interaction with production teams.
Key Responsibilities:Lean Transformation & Continuous Improvement- Support EMTEK's Lean Focus launch and ongoing Lean Business System implementation.
- Participate in and support the development of model lines, including current-state assessment, future-state design, and implementation planning.
- Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, rapid improvement workshops, and structured problem-solving activities aligned with site priorities.
- Apply Lean tools and methodologies including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, A3 problem solving, root cause analysis, and waste elimination.
Shop-Floor Engagement & Execution- Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor to observe processes, validate data, and understand real-time operational challenges.
- Partner with supervisors, leads, and associates to identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions.
- Support daily management routines, including tiered huddles, KPI boards, action tracking, and follow-up.
Performance Improvement & Metrics- Analyze operational data to quantify improvement opportunities and validate results.
- Track and report improvement outcomes related to safety, quality, delivery, labor efficiency, and cost.
- Ensure improvements are documented, standardized, and sustained through effective standard work and visual controls.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Collaborate with Production Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EH&S on improvement initiatives.
- Support layout changes, process optimization, material flow improvements, and new process introductions.
- Assist with training and rollout of new standards, processes, and Lean tools.
Change Management & Capability Building- Act as a change agent by coaching teams on Lean thinking and structured problem solving.
- Support development of internal CI capability through training, mentoring, and hands-on engagement.
- Reinforce a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement role.
- Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and CI methodologies.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications- Lean certification (Lean Practitioner, Six Sigma Green Belt, or equivalent).
- Experience supporting or leading Lean transformations or model-line deployments.
- Experience facilitating Kaizen events or cross-functional improvement workshops.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence without direct authority.
- Bi-lingual (English, Spanish)
Additional InformationFortune Brands believes in fair and equitable pay. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is Hiring Pay Range: $90,000 USD - $130,000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. In addition to base salary, employees will participate in either an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance, or a role-based sales incentive plan.
At Fortune Brands, we support the overall health and wellness of our associates by offering comprehensive, competitive benefits that prioritize all aspects of wellbeing and provide flexibility for our teammates' unique needs. This includes robust health plans, a market-leading 401(k) program with a company contribution, product discounts, flexible time off benefits, adoption benefits, and more. We offer numerous ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) to foster a sense of belonging for all associates.
Fortune Brands is built on industry-leading brands and innovation within the high-growth categories of water, outdoors and security. The Company makes innovative products for residential and commercial environments, with a growing focus on digital solutions and products that add luxury, contribute to safety and enhance sustainability. To learn more, visit our website at fbin.com.
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