Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

About Kennametal

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Title: Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Location: Asheboro, NC

Job Summary:

The Operational Excellence Sr. Engineer leads complex continuous improvement initiatives and solves critical operational challenges using Lean methodologies, structured problem solving, and data-driven decision making across one or multiple plants. This role drives sustainable performance improvements, develops Lean capabilities within plant teams, and serves as a coach and advisor to support long-term operational excellence.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Lean COMPETENCES

• Leads complex problem-solving efforts to improve operational performance and eliminate waste.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in continuous improvement and Lean systems across one or multiple sites.
• Applies Advanced lean, six sigma, and Operational Excellence Methodologies to solve complex business and operational challenges.
• Builds Operational Excellence capability and promotes autonomous continuous improvement through coaching, training and application of lean principles in the following areas:
• Equipment Efficiency Losses
• Direct Labor Efficiency
• Scrap Reduction.
• WIP Reduction.
• Hoshin & VSM.
• 5S & Product Respect. (Standards)

Lean STRATEGIES

• Translates business objectives into actionable improvement initiatives aligned with operational priorities.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and leads cross-functional improvement opportunities.
• Supports deployment of Operational Excellence initiatives and best practices.
• Partners with operational leaders to strengthen performance and continuous improvement capability..

Lean GEMBA ACTIVITIES

• For the Fields of Competences listed above:
• Leads Gemba activities to Muda Hunting, process constraints, and improvement opportunities.
• Facilitates root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
• Detect Abnormalities vs. Lean Standards.
• Coaches teams in structured problem solving, Lean thinking, and continuous improvement practices.

Lean RESULTS

• Leads complex problem-solving efforts to improve operational performance and eliminate waste.
• Improves productivity, quality, lead time, inventory, and operational effectiveness.
• Develops autonomous continuous improvement capability within operational teams
• Replicates successful practices and improvement methodologies with the Site & Portfolio Business Unit Representatives.

Education, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates

• At least 8 Years in Production/Manufacturing, Mechanical/Process/Industrial Engineering Related Experience. Multiple or Large Sites' Lean Workshop Management Experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification through American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a plus.
• Knowledge and Practice Experience of the Following Tools:
• Strong Problem Solving, Communication & Coaching Skills.
• 5S, Zoning & Visual Management
• Standard Work and Cycle Time Management.
• Muda Hunting
• Pull Flow/Kanban
• SMED
• TPM
• VSM

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.