Principal CI Engineer

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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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.
• 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.
• Must be a US citizen.

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.