Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer

mars; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars is hiring a Continuous Improvement Engineer to partner with Production Leaders and frontline teams, translating data into practical, sustainable improvements on the plant floor. You will drive loss elimination, stability, and standard work across shifts, contributing to FMOS, MSE, and Daily Management routines.

Ideal candidates have a manufacturing background, solid Lean/Six Sigma credentials, and strong coaching skills to influence across functions and levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field is preferred.
• 3+ years in manufacturing, engineering, CI, or operational excellence.
• Experience in fast-moving consumer goods or similar environments preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean, CI, and structured problem solving required.
• Experience using data, root cause analysis, and loss-elimination tools.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Production Leader to improve safety, quality, reliability, cost, and performance.
• Lead Daily Area Value Stream meetings and support Daily Direction Setting.
• Analyze production data to identify gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Lead root cause analyses and develop action plans to prevent recurrence.
• Own and strengthen Daily Management Systems and SOPs across the area.
• Lead autonomous maintenance improvement teams to reduce downtime and improve reliability.
• Establish operating standards to improve process consistency and reduce downtime.
• Coach leaders and frontline associates on problem solving and routines.
• Support MSE pillar activities with analytics and standard development.
• Support commissioning and startup activities for capital projects.
• Provide guidance to Continuous Improvement Specialists and offer performance feedback.
• Champion Mars safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Problem solving

Data analytics

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Industrial or Mechanical Engineering

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

TPM

MSE

FMOS

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