Continuous Improvement Engineer

job purpose: The Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer reports to the CI Manager and plays a critical role in supporting and implementing CI initiatives to improve production performance, reduce waste, lower costs, while also enhancing safety and quality process across the dairy bottling manufacturing facility. Leveraging their experience in the beverage manufacturing environment while fostering a collaborative working culture with the other CI members and departments will be crucial to success.

This role is a hands-on, floor-focused contributor who supports operational excellence efforts through direct engagement with manufacturing teams and processes.

responsibilities:

• Implement Lean tools and processes across the organization in support of the Operational Excellence framework including Visual Daily Management, 6S, Leader Standard Work, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis, Process Mapping, etc.

• Develop and drive key actions on the Op-Ex Lean roadmap for the site, supporting site objectives and CI priorities.

• Drive cultural change through on-going teaching and coaching across all levels of the organization on the use of lean tools and principles to drive continuous improvement.

• Lead complex problem-solving efforts across the organization.

• Coach and support problem solving using a wide range of tools including Just-Do-IT, A3, Kaizen, Pareto, DMAIC, 8D, etc.

• Lead the deployment and maintenance of key standard work initiatives including Centerlines (CL), Clean-Inspect-Lubricate (CIL), Preventative Maintenance (PM), etc.

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify improvement opportunities related to waste reduction, efficiency, quality, and safety using tools such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), time studies, and basic line balancing.

• Support improvements in key manufacturing performance indicators such as OEE, throughput, yield, and downtime reduction.

• Support CI projects from problem identification through implementation and sustainment, including action tracking and follow-up.

• Assist in developing and documenting standard work and best practices to ensure improvements are sustained over time.

• Collect and analyze operational data to support KPI tracking and performance reviews.

• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EHS to support effective implementation of improvement actions.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, or another technical field. 

• 2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing or operations environment with exposure to continuous improvement activities.

• Extensive experience with Lean tools and principles including: Visual Daily Management, 6S, Leader Standard Work, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis, Process Mapping, etc.

• Strong problem-solving experience using a variety of tools to identify root causes and develop corrective and preventative actions.

• Strong analytical and team-based problem-solving skills. Experience in data analysis for driving improvements.  

• Capable of leading and developing Lean / Continuous Improvement processes.

• Ability to coach, mentor, and/or train across all levels of the organization.

• Goal-oriented and self-driven with high levels of personal accountability and discipline for team, company, and personal growth.  

• Experience with various methods of managing and tracking improvement projects with cross-functional teams. 

• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability<