The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for driving a culture of continuous improvement across the organization by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and operational efficiency. This position leads process improvement initiatives, utilizes data and technology to identify and solve problems, establishes sustainable processes, and manages the company's continuous improvement system.

The Continuous Improvement Engineer partners with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and other functional teams to implement improvements that deliver measurable and sustainable business results.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Continuous Improvement & Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, productivity, quality, cost, and operational performance.
• Lead and support continuous improvement projects from opportunity identification through implementation and sustainment.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies as appropriate.
• Analyze current-state processes and develop improved future-state processes.
• Establish measurable objectives and track project results to demonstrate financial and operational impact.
• Facilitate cross-functional improvement teams and problem-solving activities.

Data Compilation & Analysis

• Collect, compile, organize, and analyze operational and business data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop meaningful reports, dashboards, and visual management tools to support decision-making.
• Translate data into actionable recommendations for leadership and operational teams.
• Establish appropriate performance measures and monitoring systems for improvement initiatives.
• Use data to validate the effectiveness and sustainability of implemented improvements.
• Technology & Software Implementation
• Identify software, technology, and digital tools that can improve operational processes, data collection, reporting, communication, and business performance.
• Evaluate potential solutions based on business needs, functionality, cost, scalability, and ease of use.
• Lead or coordinate implementation of approved software and technology solutions.
• Work with internal stakeholders and software providers to configure, implement, test, and launch new systems.
• Develop procedures and training to ensure successful adoption of new technology.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve the accuracy and accessibility of information.

Process Sustainment & Standardization

• Develop standardized processes, work instructions, visual standards, and documentation to ensure improvements are sustained.
• Establish process ownership and accountability following implementation.
• Conduct follow-up audits and performance reviews to verify that improvements remain effective.
• Identify process deviations and work with responsible departments to correct and prevent recurrence.
• Support the development and deployment of standard processes across multiple facilities.
• Maintain an organized system for documenting and accessing continuous improvement standards and processes.

5S & Workplace Organization

• Lead implementation and sustainment of 5S methodology throughout the organization.
• Conduct 5S assessments and identify opportunities to improve workplace organization, visual management, safety, and efficiency.
• Develop 5S standards, audit processes, and accountability systems.
• Train employees and leaders on 5S principles and expectations.
• Partner with department leaders to sustain improvements and prevent backsliding.

Training & Development

• Develop and conduct training related to Lean, continuous improvement, problem-solving, 5S, standard work, data analysis, and other improvement methodologies.
• Train employees and leaders on new processes, systems, and technologies.
• Develop training materials, tools, and resources to support continuous improvement.
• Coach employees and leaders in structured problem-solving and improvement techniques.
• Promote employee involvement and ownership of continuous improvement activities.

Continuous Improvement System Management

• Manage the organization's continuous improvement system, including project identification, prioritization, tracking, implementation, and closure.
• Maintain a centralized database or tracking system for improvement initiatives.
• Establish standards for submitting, evaluating, prioritizing, and executing improvement opportunities.
• Track project status, benefits, timelines, ownership, and results.
• Provide regular reporting to leadership on continuous improvement activity and measurable results.
• Ensure completed improvements are documented, standardized, and transitioned to the appropriate process owner.
• Facilitate continuous improvement reviews with leadership and department managers.
• Maintain visibility of the organization's improvement pipeline and identify areas requiring additional focus.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, continuous improvement, process engineering, operations, or a related field.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and presenting operational data.
• Experience implementing process improvements and sustaining results.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience identifying or implementing software solutions preferred.
• Experience with 5S, standard work, visual management, and root cause analysis.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and training skills.
• Ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:

• Financial Wellness: 401(k) retirement plan with company match and annual/quarterly bonus opportunities.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Security: Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Optional Extras: Employee-paid voluntary life insurance and supplemental benefits.
• Time Off: Competitive PTO, paid holidays, and a company-paid Christmas shutdown.
• Unique Perks:
  • Raffles for concerts, sports, and entertainment tickets.
  • Locally sourced prize raffles.
  • Monthly happy hours to unwind and connect with the team.

Assemblers & Forklift Operators - Manufacturing - Ottawa KS

Ottawa, KS
Description

As an Assembler, you'll play a critical role in the success of Monoflo. We value our Assemblers and offer competitive pay and opportunities for career growth and development within the organization. If you are a problem solver looking to work in a fast-paced, high-tech environment and have a desire to learn and grow every day, read on.

Responsibilities:

• Perform the assembly, decoration, and packaging operations for finished goods.
• Complete visual quality inspections of parts produced at work center while performing assembly operations.
• Identify work center, work order, and part quality concerns.
• Learn new position responsibilities following the internal growth and cross training plan.
• Participate in safety and team meetings, aiding in the continuous improvement of the overall operation and work environment.

The Forklift Operator supports the stability of Production by following established processes and 5S structure, focusing on product details, and ensuring safe, OSHA compliant operation of equipment while operating in the facility.

Responsibilities:

• Operate forklift in a safe and mature manner exercising particular caution in production areas and intersections following OSHA guidelines
• Perform proper operator maintenance of the forklift ensuring no careless damages are incurred: battery watering, OSHA checklist, reporting of equipment function
• Pick up finished goods at work center location in a timely manner and print/apply inventory labels from RT stations, ensuring proper item # label is applied to matching product. Move complete and labeled finished goods to the Wrapper as required per individual work order packaging instructions
• Maintain Wrapper stretch-wrap refill quantities, cleanliness on and around the wrapper / conveyors, and troubleshoot the Wrapper during malfunctions. Follow up with proper reporting of malfunctions to Maintenance
• Properly use, and care for, the handgun scanner ensuring scanning procedures are followed to maintain inventory accuracy and control
• Provide components, supplies, and packaging materials to work center promptly to be certain that no downtime is caused by lack of materials

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Standing and walking for the duration of your shift
• Reach, climb steps, bend, twist and apply pressure frequently

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:

• Financial Wellness: 401(k) retirement plan with company match and annual/quarterly bonus opportunities.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Security: Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Optional Extras: Employee-paid voluntary life insurance and supplemental benefits.
• Time Off: Competitive PTO, paid holidays, and a company-paid Christmas shutdown.
• Unique Perks:
  • Raffles for concerts, sports, and entertainment tickets.
  • Locally sourced prize raffles.
  • Monthly happy hours to unwind and connect with the team.

Salary Description

$80,000 - $110,000