Process Engineer- Continuous Improvement

ClarkDietrich

$80K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering.
  • 3+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience.
  • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, data analysis tools, and ERP systems.
  • Excellent communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead continuous improvement projects focused on critical business areas.
  • Analyze and improve manufacturing process efficiency and waste reduction.
  • Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and root cause analyses.
  • Develop standardized work procedures and best practices for processes.
  • Monitor and analyze KPIs to drive operational advancements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet business goals.
  • Conduct process studies and assessments to optimize cycle times.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead impactful continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Collaboration with diverse teams enhances professional growth.
  • Potential for involvement in new product introductions.
  • Focus on sustainability through audits and employee engagement.
  • Hands-on role on the production floor creates tactical understanding.
Full Job Description
The Process Engineer - Continuous Improvement is responsible for analyzing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. This position leads continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies to eliminate waste, optimize workflows, and support operational excellence across the facility.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost reduction.
  • Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and eliminate waste.
  • Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping activities, and root cause analysis investigations.
  • Develop and implement standardized work procedures and best practices.
  • Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational improvements.
  • Partner with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and supply chain teams to achieve business objectives.
  • Conduct process studies, cycle time analysis, and capacity assessments.
  • Support new product introductions and process optimization efforts.
  • Utilize Lean tools including 5S, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, and Kanban systems.
  • Lead corrective and preventive action initiatives to improve quality and process reliability.
  • Train and coach employees on continuous improvement principles and problem-solving techniques.
  • Support capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades.
  • Ensure improvements are sustainable through audits, documentation, and employee engagement.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
  • 3+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, data analysis tools, and ERP systems.
  • Effective communication and project management capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
  • Experience in metal framing, roll forming, or industrial manufacturing.
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD, process simulation, or manufacturing analytics tools.
  • Experience leading cross-functional improvement teams.

Key Competencies

  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Process Optimization
  • Six Sigma Methodologies
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Data Analytics
  • Change Management
  • Team Collaboration
  • Problem Solving

Success Metrics

  • Improvement in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
  • Manufacturing Cost Reduction
  • Productivity Gains
  • Scrap and Waste Reduction
  • Quality Defect Reduction
  • Successful Completion of CI Projects

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Plant Manager

Works Closely With: Production Supervisors, Maintenance Teams, Engineering, and Supply Chain Personnel

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who enjoys being on the production floor, using data to solve problems, leading improvement projects, and coaching teams to achieve measurable operational improvements. They are passionate about Lean principles and driving a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

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