Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Description:

Position Summary

Penn Color is seeking a highly skilled and driven Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence initiatives across our global manufacturing organization.

This role is ideal for a hands-on, data-driven problem solver who thrives in manufacturing environments and enjoys leading transformational change initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance collaboration across teams.

The Continuous Improvement Engineer will partner closely with production, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and leadership teams to identify opportunities, implement sustainable process improvements, and help establish Penn Color as the global benchmark within our industry.

This position is full time and based onsite in Hatfield, PA, with approximately 15% domestic and international travel required.

We offer a stable, long-term career path in a company that values its people as much as its products. You will be supported by a collaborative culture built on respect, accountability, and continuous growth — with the opportunity to make a lasting impact across a global organization.

What You’ll Do

As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will:

• Lead Lean Six Sigma initiatives using DMAIC methodologies to eliminate process inefficiencies and improve operational performance
• Develop and execute continuous improvement projects across manufacturing and business operations
• Partner with cross-functional teams to drive stakeholder engagement, project execution, and sustainable implementation strategies
• Establish and monitor KPIs and project success metrics to measure impact and long-term effectiveness
• Identify and reduce waste using Lean principles, including TIMWOODS methodologies
• Analyze operational data and implement statistical process control and value stream mapping techniques
• Research and implement tools/software to track and visualize project progress, cost savings, implementation status, and sustainment metrics
• Support standardization and documentation of Penn Color best practices across global manufacturing sites
• Collaborate with third-party vendors and consultants as needed to support project implementation and training initiatives
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, accountability, and operational excellence throughout the organization
• Support both domestic and international manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Europe, and Asia

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of technical expertise, leadership capability, and interpersonal influence.

Successful candidates are:

• Natural leaders who can motivate and influence teams at all organizational levels
• Collaborative and adaptable professionals who thrive in fast-paced manufacturing environments
• Innovative problem solvers with a passion for operational excellence and continuous learning
• Data-driven decision makers with strong analytical and project management skills
• Effective communicators who can build buy-in and drive organizational change
• Open-minded, humble, and willing to challenge existing processes to improve outcomes

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of process improvement experience within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience leading Lean Six Sigma programs and continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience in operations and manufacturing environments
• Strong knowledge of Lean methodologies, DMAIC principles, statistical process control, and value stream mapping
• Excellent communication, organizational, and change management skills
• Ability to lead projects across departments and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (~15%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within thermoplastics, color/additive masterbatch, compounding, or liquid dispersion manufacturing environments strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical discipline
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt preferred
• Experience managing small teams, quality systems, or large-scale projects preferred
• Exposure to business strategy, operations management, or MBA coursework is a plus

Why Join Penn Color?

• Family-owned, people first workplace culture
• Stable, long-term employment opportunities
• 401K with a strong company match (will differ outside the U.S.)
• PTO to balance your life
• Team-driven environment where your work directly impacts quality and customer satisfaction

Penn Color, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regards to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or any other protected categories.  It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given an equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.