Healthcare Systems Engineer - Office of Performance Improvement

MD Anderson Center$85K — $100K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
  • Experience in quality engineering or related field for at least 1 year; no experience needed with Master's degree.
  • Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma methodologies, and quality improvement tools.
  • Strong analytical skills for data analysis and process improvement.
  • Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead multidisciplinary process improvement projects using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Analyze current-state workflows to develop and implement future-state processes.
  • Design and execute performance improvement plans with measurable metrics.
  • Facilitate stakeholder meetings, ensuring effective communication and project alignment.
  • Provide training and education in quality methodologies to staff and teams.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental benefits package.
  • Generous paid time off to support work-life balance.
  • Retirement plans to secure future financial stability.
  • Tuition assistance for further educational development.
  • Professional development opportunities and team recognition programs.
Full Job Description
This Healthcare Systems Engineer position offers the opportunity to serve as a quality and systems engineering expert while leading multidisciplinary teams through meaningful process improvement initiatives. The role is ideal for an analytical, collaborative professional who enjoys solving complex healthcare problems and can translate data, observations, and stakeholder input into practical improvements.

In this role, you will lead and facilitate process improvement projects using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, PDCA, and Root Cause Analysis. You will work with multidisciplinary stakeholders to understand current-state workflows, develop future-state processes, design improvement plans, establish meaningful performance metrics, and monitor results to ensure improvements are sustained.

You will apply a broad range of quality and systems engineering tools, including simulation and queuing theory, facility design and layout, ergonomics and human factors, statistical process control, experimental design, FMEA, time and motion analysis, and quantitative and qualitative analysis. Your ability to analyze complex processes and data will help identify root causes, risks, opportunities, and solutions that improve utilization, reduce costs, enhance patient satisfaction, and support better outcomes.

A significant component of the position is project leadership and stakeholder facilitation. You will establish project milestones and workplans, facilitate multidisciplinary meetings, collect and analyze performance data, communicate project progress, escalate high-risk issues, and develop sustainability plans. The ability to build relationships and effectively engage physicians, clinical teams, operational leaders, and other stakeholders will be critical to successfully implementing change.

You will also serve as a change agent and educator, developing and delivering training in Lean, Six Sigma, and other quality improvement methodologies. You will assess training needs, develop educational content, and help teams understand and adopt process improvement strategies. Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences will be important in this role.

The ideal candidate will have experience with team facilitation, project management, healthcare process improvement, data analysis, and presentation development and delivery. Familiarity with hospital and healthcare delivery systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and the ability to analyze and present data are highly desirable. Candidates who combine strong analytical skills with the ability to engage people, lead change, and turn improvement concepts into measurable results will find this opportunity especially rewarding.

MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, and additional benefits, along with the opportunity to build a rewarding career at one of the world's leading cancer centers while helping improve the systems and processes that support exceptional patient care.

**This is a hybrid position with onsite presence at least once a week (Wednesday)**

Key Function

1. Technical Expertise
• Provide the institution with quality and systems engineering expertise including:
• Simulation and queuing theory applications for optimizing flow and utilization
• Linear programming for optimizing processes
• Facility design and layout
• Lean methodology and tools
• Ergonomics and human factors recommendations including mistake-proofing
• Statistical process control (SPC)
• Experimental design
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Work measurement for time and motion analysis
• Quality tools such as frequency distributions, basic statistics, cause-and-effect diagrams, Pareto charts, process flow charts, and scatter diagrams

2. Project Management
• Lead and facilitate multidisciplinary teams to increase utilization, reduce costs, improve patient satisfaction, and produce favorable patient outcomes.
• Apply appropriate improvement strategies such as Lean, Six Sigma (DMAIC), PDCA, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Track, monitor, and report project progression using appropriate project management tools and software.
• Develop project milestones and detailed workplans to ensure project success.
• Contract with clients to ensure a mutual understanding of intended outcomes and roles.
• Work with multidisciplinary stakeholders to define current state processes.
• Collaborate with these stakeholders to develop future state.
• Design and execute on improvement plans.
• Develop performance metrics, standards and methods to establish improvement success.
• Ensure metrics are reachable, practical and, when needed, approved by organizational leadership.
• Facilitate the collection of metric data from workflows and projects by utilizing sound methodology.
• Develop data collection plans in collaboration with project stakeholders.
• Analyze data using appropriate statistical and qualitative methods.
• Escalate high-risk issues and trends to appropriate party for resolution.
• Develop plan for monitoring performance and ensure sustainability.
• Lead risk assessments with key stakeholders and identify potential hazards with implementation. Develop mitigation strategies to ensure patient and staff safety.

3. Training and Change Management
• Provide educational content and delivery of training in basic, intermediary, and advanced quality tools and strategies such as Lean and Six Sigma.
• Assess client training needs and provide as appropriate.
• Participate in the achievement of organizational directed department objectives.
• Act as a change agent for the organization and ensure that process improvement activity is being communicated, understood, and supported.
• Maintain professional development by expanding knowledge base of methodologies and techniques.

=EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor's Degree Industrial Engineering or related field.

Preferred: Master's Degree Industrial Engineering, Applied Sciences, Management or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: 1 year Quality engineering or related experience or no experience required with Master's degree.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Preferred: Six Sigma Green Belt Certification or ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or PMP - Project Mgt Professional

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

About MD Anderson Center

MD Anderson Center Careers

Joining MD Anderson Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading team of cancer care professionals, dedicated to innovation, leadership, and compassionate care. As one of the foremost cancer research and treatment centers globally, MD Anderson Center is where career aspirations in the medical and healthcare fields turn into reality.

Explore Job Opportunities

MD Anderson Center is continuously seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about making a significant impact in oncology and patient care. With a variety of job opportunities available, from clinical roles to research positions, candidates can find the perfect match for their skills and career goals.

Internship Programs and Employment Growth

For those starting their professional journey, MD Anderson Center provides robust internship programs designed to foster growth, enhance skills, and offer real-world experience in a supportive environment. These programs are a cornerstone of the center's commitment to professional development and employment growth within the healthcare sector.

Benefits and Culture

MD Anderson Center is committed to supporting its team not only professionally but personally. The comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental, and vision coverage, alongside wellness programs and life balance support. The culture at MD Anderson Center is built on a foundation of diversity and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued and celebrated.

Professional Development and Leadership

Career advancement at MD Anderson Center is supported through extensive professional development programs, including leadership training and diversity initiatives. The center encourages continuous learning and offers various resources to help team members achieve their potential and lead in their respective fields.

Innovation and Networking

At the forefront of medical innovation, MD Anderson Center provides its team with the tools and freedom to explore new ideas and solutions in cancer care. Networking opportunities within and beyond the center are abundant, allowing for professional connections and collaborations that drive industry-leading outcomes.

Hiring Process

The hiring process at MD Anderson Center is designed to be transparent and engaging. Candidates are encouraged to submit a detailed resume and prepare for an interview process that assesses both professional skills and alignment with the center’s values. MD Anderson Center is keen on attracting individuals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to a team-oriented environment.

Career Advancement

With a clear path for career advancement, MD Anderson Center ensures that every team member has the opportunity to succeed and grow. From on-the-job training to advanced certification and education support, team members can expand their expertise and advance their careers within the organization.

Join the Team

Explore the positions currently open that match your skills and interests. MD Anderson Center is looking for passionate, curious, and driven team players ready to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients worldwide.

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