Overview

The Opportunity

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for leading the deployment and sustainment of Stratus' Lean Manufacturing System across the company's manufacturing facilities in San Antonio, TX, Lexington, SC, and Elmhurst, IL. This role serves as the enterprise leader for continuous improvement execution, partnering closely with plant leadership to improve productivity, reduce waste, standardize processes, and build a culture of operational excellence.

 

Through the application of Lean Manufacturing principles, structured problem-solving methodologies, and data-driven decision making, the Continuous Improvement Engineer identifies opportunities to improve manufacturing performance while developing the capabilities of plant teams to sustain continuous improvement long after projects are completed. This position requires regular travel between manufacturing facilities to drive consistency, collaboration, and best practice sharing across the organization.

Responsibilities

Lean Manufacturing Deployment

• Lead the implementation and continuous evolution of the Stratus Lean Manufacturing System across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Deploy and sustain Lean tools including 5S, Visual Management, Standard Work, Layered Process Audits (LPAs), Value Stream Mapping, Daily Management, and Kaizen.
• Establish standardized operating practices that improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
• Drive consistency in Lean methodologies across all manufacturing locations.

Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Identify, prioritize, and execute productivity, quality, cost reduction, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional Kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops.
• Facilitate root cause analysis utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Develop improvement roadmaps aligned with manufacturing and business objectives.
• Track project results to ensure expected operational and financial benefits are achieved.

Operational Excellence

• Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify waste, process variation, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to improve production performance.
• Develop standardized workflows that improve efficiency while reducing variability.
• Support the development and implementation of a company-wide Quality Management System (QMS).

Capability Building

• Train, coach, and mentor leaders and frontline employees on Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools.
• Facilitate workshops that strengthen problem-solving capabilities throughout the organization.
• Build internal ownership of Lean practices to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Promote employee engagement through continuous improvement participation and idea generation.

Performance Measurement

• Establish metrics and dashboards to monitor improvement initiatives.
• Measure operational performance against key Lean metrics.
• Communicate project status, risks, and business impact to manufacturing leadership.
• Recommend future improvement opportunities based on operational trends and performance data.

Qualifications

What You Need to Succeed

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or equivalent work experience preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Excellence, or Industrial Engineering.
• Experience leading Lean transformation initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing tools and continuous improvement programs.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement teams.
• Experience working across multiple manufacturing locations is preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred.

What We Offer

Culture & Growth

• Supportive, collaborative work environment
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Regular coaching, feedback, and mentorship to support growth 

Health & Wellbeing

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health Savings Accounts with employer contributions
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Program 

Financial Security

• Weekly pay schedule
• 401(k) with employer match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability coverage 

Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Volunteer Time Off
• Paid parental leave 

Travel Requirements

This position supports manufacturing operations across multiple locations and requires regular travel to Stratus manufacturing facilities in:

• San Antonio, Texas
• Lexington, South Carolina
• Elmhurst, Illinois

Travel may be conducted via automobile, air, or other modes of transportation and may include overnight stays as needed.

 

Work Environment

This position works in both office and manufacturing environments. Frequent time will be spent on production floors observing processes, facilitating improvement activities, and partnering with plant leadership. Employees may be exposed to manufacturing equipment, noise, varying temperatures, and other industrial conditions. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required while working in designated production areas. The position involves extended periods of sitting, computer use, and virtual communication. Physical requirements may include lifting up to 20 pounds and general movement within an office setting.

 

Pre-Employment Requirements

All offers of employment with Stratus are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, in accordance with applicable laws. Certain roles, including those designated as safety-sensitive or regulated positions, employment may also be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and/or other regulatory requirements.

 

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties or responsibilities. Responsibilities may change at any time based on the needs of Stratus.