Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer
Job Description
About the Organization:
We are in the middle of a true operational transformation — moving from tribal knowledge and reactive processes to a disciplined, data-driven, standardized manufacturing environment. This is not “check-the-box Lean.” We are building systems, accountability, and a sustainable culture of continuous improvement. If you are hands-on, execution-focused, and motivated by measurable results, this is an opportunity to drive real change.
Position Overview:
The Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer will lead high-impact operational improvement initiatives across manufacturing. This role goes beyond analysis — you will implement solutions, train teams, standardize processes, and ensure improvements are sustained. High visibility role working cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain, with direct visibility to senior leadership.
Responsibilities:
- Lead continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives
- Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks (quality escapes, rework, prep time, inefficient assembly, material flow issues, etc.)
- Lead Lean and Six Sigma (DMAIC) projects delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, and cycle time
- Drive root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions
- Convert tribal knowledge into Standard Work, SOPs, and clear work instructions and help move the operation toward a paperless, analytics-driven environment
- Support development of scalable, repeatable processes
- Develop and track KPIs (scrap, rework, downtime, OTD, cycle time)
- Analyze shop floor data and present actionable insights to leadership
- Measure and report savings in dollars, hours reduced, and risk mitigation
- Support ERP improvements, system integrations and implement visual management tools and structured shop floor controls
- Implement digital tools (Power BI, Excel, Power Automate, digital checklists)
- Deliver hands-on Lean/CI training to operators, leads, and supervisors
- Lead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and cross-functional improvement workshops
- Reinforce accountability and continuous improvement mindset at all levels
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 3+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering or continuous improvement experience
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing (5S, VSM, SMED, Poka-Yoke, Visual Management) and Six Sigma (DMAIC, root cause analysis)
- Experience developing standard work, driving real improvements, measurable cost savings, cycle time reductions and shop floor digital tools
- Bilingual English/Spanish Required
Nice to Have:
- Six Sigma Black/Green Belt or Lean certification
- Background in Aerospace, heavy fabrication, or complex assembly preferred
- Experience leading ERP transitions, implementing MES and digital work instruction systems
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 or AS9100 a Huge Plus
- Demonstrated track record of measurable operational improvements
- Self-starter who takes ownership, stands behind data-driven decisions, and thrives in a hands-on environment