Continuous Improvement Engineer

L.S. Starrett Company; Athol (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

L.S. Starrett Company in Athol, MA seeks a Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead Lean initiatives across manufacturing, improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost. You will coach teams, apply TPS tools, and drive standardized processes.

The role requires hands-on problem solving, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to sustain gains and cultivate a culture of operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, Quality, or Engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, Toyota Production System, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, Root Cause Analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles and structured problem solving.
• Analyze processes and metrics to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and process improvements.
• Develop and implement standardized work, visual management, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Support manufacturing teams with process optimization and workflow efficiency.
• Train and coach employees on Lean tools and methodologies.
• Monitor KPIs and track project results to sustain improvements.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to implement initiatives.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

5S

Root Cause Analysis

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, W

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement Engineer leads initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity across manufacturing operations. This role partners with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, implement Lean manufacturing principles, standardize processes, and drive sustainable operational excellence. The position supports a culture of continuous improvement through data-driven problem solving, employee engagement, and hands-on coaching.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem solving.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and performance metrics to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and process improvement activities.
• Develop and implement standardized work, visual management, 5S, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Support manufacturing teams with process optimization, layout improvements, and workflow efficiency.
• Train and coach employees on Lean tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Monitor key performance indicators and track project results to ensure sustained improvements.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to implement improvement initiatives.
• Promote a culture of employee involvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, Quality, or Engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, Toyota Production System, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, Root Cause Analysis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, coaching and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

Education Requirements

• Minimum 4 year Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.

Years of Experience

• Minimum 5 -7 years of experience in Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Quality, or Engineering.

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel frequently between manufacturing departments, warehouses, and office areas multiple times throughout the day.
• Ability to frequently climb stairs, ladders, platforms, and access elevated work areas when evaluating equipment and production processes.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to frequently sit for extended periods while performing engineering analysis, preparing reports, and working with computer-based systems.
• Ability to constantly work in a shop environment that may include noise, machine operation, metal chips, oils, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to frequently work safely around moving machinery, automated equipment, forklifts, and material handling systems.
• Ability to occasionally inspect equipment and processes in confined or restricted-access areas as required.

Salary

$85,000 - $100,000 annually