Continuous Improvement Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for driving operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role partners closely with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, optimize processes, reduce waste, improve quality, and achieve operational and financial performance targets. The successful candidate will lead projects focused on productivity, cost reduction, quality improvements, and overall plant performance while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify gaps in key operational and business performance metrics and develop strategies to drive sustainable improvements.
• Analyze current-state manufacturing processes and value streams; develop future-state plans and lead implementation activities.
• Lead and support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Facilitate and coach teams on Lean tools and problem-solving methodologies, including root cause analysis, Kaizen events, 5S, standardized work, value stream mapping, and DMAIC.
• Develop, track, and report project performance metrics to ensure timely completion and achievement of business objectives.
• Partner with plant leadership to develop and execute a Continuous Improvement roadmap aligned with organizational goals.
• Drive process optimization efforts to improve operational efficiency, capacity utilization, labor productivity, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Support cross-functional teams in identifying barriers to success and implementing corrective actions.
• Identify and develop cost-saving opportunities across manufacturing operations.
• Support implementation of best practices across departments and facilities.
• Assist plant leadership with strategic initiatives, operational excellence programs, and the implementation of new systems and processes.
• Monitor project results and sustain gains through effective change management and standardization.
• Maintain compliance with customer, quality, safety, and environmental standards.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing, continuous improvement, operations, industrial engineering, or process improvement roles required.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience leading Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement projects in a production environment.
• Experience working in a KPI-driven manufacturing environment.

Preferred Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, or Continuous Improvement certifications are a plus.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with process mapping, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing performance metrics including OEE, productivity, scrap, throughput, and labor efficiency.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, and visual management systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, procedures, work instructions, and technical documents.
• Strong project management and change management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Automotive Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier experience.
• Experience supporting IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 environments.
• Experience leading Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement teams.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience implementing Lean tools such as 5S, Standardized Work, Visual Management, Kanban, and Value Stream Mapping.

Key Success Measures

• Productivity improvements
• Cost reduction and savings realization
• OEE improvement
• Scrap and waste reduction
• Successful project completion and sustainment
• Achievement of plant Continuous Improvement objectives
• Improved safety, quality, delivery, and operational performance metrics

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a manufacturing professional with 3-5 years of experience who is passionate about operational excellence, Lean principles, and driving measurable business results in a manufacturing environment. Automotive experience and Lean Six Sigma certification are strongly preferred.

PRIMARY LOCATION

Avanzar San Antonio Facility