Continuous Improvement Engineer

Navigate Search; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Navigate Search is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead Lean, Six Sigma, and digital transformation efforts in a fast-paced production environment. You will identify bottlenecks, document Standard Work, and drive measurable improvements across quality, setup, and assembly times.

Responsibilities include developing KPIs, analyzing shop floor data, and implementing paperless tools with ERP integrations. You will mentor operators and leads and report cost savings and risk mitigation to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands‑on manufacturing engineering or continuous improvement experience.
• Strong knowledge of Lean (5S, VSM, SMED, Poka-Yoke, Visual Management) and Six Sigma (DMAIC).
• Proven record of measurable operational improvements.
• Experience developing Standard Work and operator-level training.
• Familiarity with shop floor digital tools and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks (quality escapes, long prep times, inefficient assembly, rework).
• Document and systematize informal practices into Standard Work, SOPs, and implement visual management systems.
• Develop KPIs and analyze shop floor data (scrap, downtime, OTD, cycle time) to drive root cause and corrective actions.
• Implement digital tools (Power BI, Excel, Power Automate, ERP integrations) to support a paperless, data-driven factory.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and cross-functional problem-solving sessions.
• Train and coach operators, leads, and supervisors in practical Lean tools.
• Measure and report cost savings, hours reduced, and risk mitigation.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma DMAIC

Problem solving

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Power BI

Excel

ERP systems

MES

Job description

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma (DMAIC), and digital transformation initiatives
• Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks (quality escapes, long prep times, inefficient assembly, rework, etc.)
• Document and systematize informal practices into Standard Work, SOPs, and implement visual management systems
• Develop KPIs and analyze shop floor data (scrap, downtime, OTD, cycle time) to drive root cause and corrective actions
• Implement digital tools (Power BI, Excel, Power Automate, ERP integrations) to support a paperless, data-driven factory
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and cross-functional problem-solving sessions
• Train and coach operators, leads, and supervisors in practical Lean tools
• Measure and report cost savings, hours reduced, and risk mitigation

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of hands‑on manufacturing engineering or continuous improvement experience
• Strong knowledge of Lean (5S, VSM, SMED, Poka-Yoke, Visual Management) and Six Sigma (DMAIC)
• Proven record of measurable operational improvements
• Experience developing Standard Work and operator-level training
• Familiarity with shop floor digital tools and ERP systems

Preferred

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification
• Aerospace, heavy fabrication, or complex assembly experience
• ERP transition or MES implementation experience