Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to partner with Production Leaders and front-line teams. You will translate performance data into practical solutions, lead loss-elimination efforts, and advance FMOS, MSE, and Daily Management System routines across the area.

The role requires 3+ years in manufacturing or continuous improvement, strong Lean knowledge, and ability to work on the production floor across multi‑shift operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, continuous improvement, or operational excellence.
• Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or another high‑speed manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Experience using performance data, root cause analysis, and loss‑elimination tools to improve operational results.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Production Leader to improve safety, quality, reliability, cost, and operational performance within the assigned production area.
• Lead Daily Area Value Stream connection point meetings and support effective Daily Direction Setting.
• Analyze production and line‑event data to identify performance gaps, recurring losses, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead root cause analysis and develop structured action plans to eliminate losses and prevent recurrence.
• Own and strengthen Daily Management Systems, including Changeover, Centerlines, Clean, Inspect and Lubricate, and Anomaly Handling.
• Lead autonomous maintenance improvement teams focused on reducing downtime, improving equipment reliability, and eliminating operational losses.
• Establish and maintain operating standards that improve process consistency and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Coach production leaders, continuous improvement specialists, technicians, and frontline associates on problem solving and operating‑system routines.
• Support MSE pillar activities by providing analytics, developing standards, and building team capability.
• Support commissioning, validation, and startup activities associated with capital projects and equipment improvements.
• Provide guidance and development support to Continuous Improvement Specialists, including performance feedback.
• Champion all Mars safety, quality, food safety, and regulatory standards within the assigned area.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing/Industrial/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering

Tools

FMOS

MSE

TPM

Daily Management System

Job description

Job Description:

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer is a key partner to the Production Leader and frontline teams, helping improve the safety, quality, reliability, and performance of an assigned production area. This role combines hands‑on manufacturing support, data‑driven problem solving, and continuous improvement leadership to reduce losses, strengthen operating standards, and build team capability.

Working primarily on the manufacturing floor, the CI Engineer will translate performance data into practical solutions and sustainable improvements. The role provides multi‑shift ownership of process results and plays an important part in advancing Factory Mars Operating System (FMOS), Mars Supply Excellence (MSE), and Daily Management System routines across the area.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field preferred
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, continuous improvement, or operational excellence
• Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or another high‑speed manufacturing environment preferred
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem‑solving methodologies
• Experience using performance data, root cause analysis, and loss‑elimination tools to improve operational results
• Familiarity with TPM, MSE, FMOS, or similar manufacturing operating systems preferred
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent practical experience is a plus
• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to coach and collaborate across functions and organizational levels
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and spend approximately 70% of the workday on the production floor
• Ability to support a multi‑shift operation and respond to changing operational priorities

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Partner with the Production Leader to improve safety, quality, reliability, cost, and operational performance within the assigned production area
• Lead Daily Area Value Stream connection point meetings and support effective Daily Direction Setting
• Analyze production and line‑event data to identify performance gaps, recurring losses, and improvement opportunities
• Lead root cause analysis and develop structured action plans to eliminate losses and prevent recurrence
• Own and strengthen Daily Management Systems, including Changeover, Centerlines, Clean, Inspect and Lubricate, and Anomaly Handling
• Lead autonomous maintenance improvement teams focused on reducing downtime, improving equipment reliability, and eliminating operational losses
• Establish and maintain operating standards that improve process consistency and reduce unplanned downtime
• Coach production leaders, continuous improvement specialists, technicians, and frontline associates on problem solving and operating‑system routines
• Support MSE pillar activities by providing analytics, developing standards, and building team capability
• Support commissioning, validation, and startup activities associated with capital projects and equipment improvements
• Provide guidance and development support to Continuous Improvement Specialists, including performance feedback
• Champion all Mars safety, quality, food safety, and regulatory standards within the assigned area

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles
• Join a purpose‑driven company where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today
• Access learning and development opportunities from day one, including support through Mars University
• Receive a competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus