Principal CI Engineer

Position Summary

The Principal Continuous Improvement Engineer is committed to driving operational excellence at the Warren, MA site. This key position will standardize and scale best-in-class manufacturing practices, enhance efficiency, and foster a lean culture focused on performance, quality, and continuous improvement. This position requires a dynamic individual with deep expertise in lean principles, process control, and cross-functional collaboration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and execute Continuous Improvement initiatives, in support of Integrated Program Teams, to drive synergy and operational alignment.
• Develop and implement standard processes, including core / non-core activities, with robust SOPs and control plans.
• Champion lean tools and techniques (5S, SIPOC, PFMEA, MSA, SMED, TPM, Kanban, Line Balancing, VRK) to optimize manufacturing performance.
• Establish and govern standard work for manufacturing, materials flow, and shop execution.
• Drive initiatives to reduce cycle times, improve efficiency, and enhance labor/machine capacity planning.
• Support materials and inventory management transformation through PFEP, RACI, and reverse scheduling (line-back logistics).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Planning, Quality, and Engineering to ensure alignment with CI goals.
• Utilize data-driven decision making, statistical tools, and six sigma principles to drive measurable improvements.
• Build and sustain a culture of continuous improvement by mentoring teams and embedding lean thinking across the organization.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to influence at all levels of the organization and manage cross-functional projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent certification
• Experience with SIOP (Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning)
• Advanced knowledge of constraint management, SWIP, and strategic buffering
• Strong working knowledge of ERP systems (IFS preferred) and manufacturing execution systems
• Demonstrated experience in capacity planning, inventory control, and material flow design

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 8+ years of experience in Operations, Industrial Engineering, Lean/CI, or Materials/Planning roles
• Proven success leading CI initiatives

Other

• U.S. Citizen

COMPANY BACKGROUND

CIRCOR International is one of the world’s leading providers of mission critical flow control products and services for the Industrial and Aerospace & Defense markets. The Company has a product portfolio of market-leading brands serving its customers’ most demanding applications. CIRCOR markets its solutions directly and through various sales partners to more than 14,000 customers in approximately 100 countries. The Company has a global presence with approximately 3,100 employees with headquarters in Burlington, Massachusetts. For more information visit our website at https://www.circor.com/.

In late 2023, CIRCOR was acquired by the private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (together with its affiliates, “KKR”). The news release is available here along with additional information about KKR and its unique approach to employee ownership can be found at the end of this document.

Equal Opportunity Statement

CIRCOR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals with disabilities, veterans, women, and minorities are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS

Why Work at CIRCOR

Employee Ownership Program:

As part of CIRCOR’s acquisition by KKR, you’re not just an employee – you are an owner.  All employees are owners of the company and everyone has a stake in the company’s success.  Our ownership culture fosters a sense of pride and accountability, driving innovation and excellence across all levels of the company. 

Since 2011, KKR portfolio companies have awarded billions of dollars of total equity value to over 60,000 non-senior management employees, demonstrating how broad-based engagement and alignment can create business value while driving greater financial inclusion.

Other Benefits Include:

• Generous paid time off policy
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance available first day
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Educational Assistance
• 401k with company match
• Employee Referral Bonus Program