CI Engineer – Process Optimization (Lean Six Sigma)

Bradford Soap Works Inc; Broadview (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bradford Soap Works Inc in Broadview, IL is seeking a Process/Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead design, implementation, and optimization of production processes across our Illinois facilities. This hands-on role requires strong engineering expertise and cross-functional collaboration across operations, maintenance and quality teams.

The candidate will drive Lean and Six Sigma projects, manage CI initiatives, and develop KPI tracking for OEE, yield, scrap, downtime, and cost savings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in process design and engineering within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience across the full lifecycle of process design and continuous improvement projects (design, trials, commissioning, startup).
• Strong background in chemical processes and formulation technologies (e.g., soap base-like materials).
• Hands-on experience with process technologies such as compounding, mixing, extrusion, milling, hot pour, liquid filling, aerosol filling, and pressing.
• Working knowledge of engineering design software.
• Familiarity with process-related standards, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean and/or Six Sigma continuous improvement projects with measurable results (e.g., cost savings, cycle time reduction, yield improvement).
• Ability to develop, track, and report process- and CI-related KPIs to plant and executive leadership.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly between the Blue Island, IL and Broadview, IL facilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of process design and continuous improvement projects—from concept through to commissioning and startup.
• Design, implement, and optimize new production processes with a focus on efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Conduct process development, trials, validations, and optimizations to establish robust process parameters.
• Source and evaluate equipment and process technology suppliers to meet project and process objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (innovation, operations, maintenance, quality, etc.) to align designs with business goals.
• Troubleshoot process issues and provide technical guidance to resolve challenges.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, health regulations, and internal procedures.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including flow diagrams, reports, SOPs, and process specifications.
• Assess and continuously improve existing processes for cost-efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
• Contribute to the design, testing, and upgrading of equipment and process control systems.
• Serve as the process engineering resource for both Illinois manufacturing facilities-Broadview and Blue Island-supporting liquid, hot pour, and aerosol production lines.
• Lead continuous improvement (CI) initiatives across both IL sites using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, including value stream mapping, kaizen events, and DMAIC-based projects.
• Develop, track, and report KPIs—such as OEE, yield, scrap/waste rates, downtime, and cost savings for liquid, hot pour, and aerosol processes to plant and executive leadership.
• Identify, scope, and lead cost-reduction and efficiency projects, quantifying savings and presenting results to site and company leadership.
• Partner with site leadership at Wireton and Parkes to standardize CI methodology, tools, and training across both facilities.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Lean Six Sigma

Process design

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Education

Chemical/Mechanical Engineering degree

Job description

Bradford Soap Works Inc in Broadview, IL is seeking a Process/Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead design, implementation, and optimization of production processes across our Illinois facilities. This hands-on role requires strong engineering expertise and cross-functional collaboration across operations, maintenance and quality teams.

The candidate will drive Lean and Six Sigma projects, manage CI initiatives, and develop KPI tracking for OEE, yield, scrap, downtime, and cost savings.