Continuous Improvement Engineer

Associated Materials Innovations; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wage

Growth opportunities

401K matching

Paid time off

Medical/Dental/Vision

Discount programs

Job summary

Associated Materials Innovations is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive operational excellence across manufacturing. You will lead lean initiatives, optimize processes, and guide cross-functional teams in implementing best practices to reduce cost, improve lead times, and raise quality.

The role reports to the Plant Manager and requires engaging stakeholders at all levels. Ideal candidates have a engineering background with 3+ years in CI/lean roles, strong data-driven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or equivalent background; Master's Degree preferred
• Minimum of three years' experience in continuous improvement, lean, operational excellence, or manufacturing roles
• Proven track record of leading and implementing lean transformation or Toyota Way methodologies within manufacturing
• Strong understanding of fabrication and assembly manufacturing preferred, value stream and A3 Thinking
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decision-making and process improvement
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate
• Strong technical, project management skills
• 10% plus travel involved

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of continuous improvement strategies, methodologies, and best practices to drive operational excellence and efficiency throughout the manufacturing processes.
• Utilize lean principles and methodologies to identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and optimize production flows to enhance productivity and quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive a culture of continuous improvement and foster a mindset of operational excellence at all levels of the organization.
• Provide leadership and guidance to project teams, engineers, technicians, and stakeholders to ensure successful execution of improvement initiatives, including training and coaching on lean principles and methodologies.
• Analyze production processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop and implement solutions to drive cost reduction, improve lead times and enhance overall operational performance.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of continuous improvement initiatives and drive a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Lead and support the development of standardized work processes and procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency across manufacturing.
• Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute a roadmap for continuous improvement initiatives aligned with the company's strategic objectives.
• Generate and/or provide supporting data analysis to management for capital equipment justifications for manufacturing operations enhancements
• Act as a change agent; drive change and influence others with implied authority within the organization to make sustainable and measurable process improvements.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Process optimization

Project management

Data analysis

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Join the Associated Materials Innovations team at Associated Materials, LLC, and be AMazing with us!

Who We Are

At Associated Materials Innovations, we combine our rich history in innovation with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement of the customer experience. For decades, we have provided vinyl windows, siding, and metal building products that have helped build homes and communities across North America.

As a leading manufacturer of exterior building products and preferred product manufacturer for Alside, you'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas in a welcoming and supportive work environment driven by safety and our core values. Join the AMI team where you can be AMazing as we shape our future together.

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Engineer will primarily act as a change agent to collaborate, design, and implement the operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization to improve cost, capacity, efficiency, and working capital across the division. Additionally, the CI Engineer will be responsible for developing capability and transferring knowledge at every level in the organization. This role reports directly to the Plant Manager.

What To Expect

• Lead the development and implementation of continuous improvement strategies, methodologies, and best practices to drive operational excellence and efficiency throughout the manufacturing processes.
• Utilize lean principles and methodologies to identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and optimize production flows to enhance productivity and quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive a culture of continuous improvement and foster a mindset of operational excellence at all levels of the organization.
• Provide leadership and guidance to project teams, engineers, technicians, and stakeholders to ensure successful execution of improvement initiatives, including training and coaching on lean principles and methodologies.
• Analyze production processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop and implement solutions to drive cost reduction, improve lead times and enhance overall operational performance.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of continuous improvement initiatives and drive a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Lead and support the development of standardized work processes and procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency across manufacturing.
• Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute a roadmap for continuous improvement initiatives aligned with the company's strategic objectives.
• Generate and/or provide supporting data analysis to management for capital equipment justifications for manufacturing operations enhancements
• Act as a change agent; drive change and influence others with implied authority within the organization to make sustainable and measurable process improvements.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or equivalent background; Master's Degree preferred
• Minimum of three years' experience in continuous improvement, lean, operational excellence, or manufacturing roles.
• Proven track record of leading and implementing lean transformation or Toyota Way methodologies within manufacturing
• Strong understanding of fabrication and assembly manufacturing preferred, value stream and A3 Thinking
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decision-making and process improvement.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate
• Strong technical, project management skills
• 10% plus travel involved

Work Environment

The atmosphere is that of a manufacturing plant and office space. The position will primarily work where moving machinery produces noise. Employees must wear Personal Protective Equipment that is issued for that location. Temperature can range from extreme cold to extreme heat. Frequent use of company communication devices are required such as a computer, phone, and other office electronics.

Benefits Of Working With Associated Materials

• Competitive Wage
• Opportunity for growth
• Long standing business model in a changing market
• Premier company culture
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• 401K Matching
• Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay
• Discount programs

About Us

When you join AMI, you are part of a leading North American manufacturing business of vinyl windows, cladding, metal siding, trim and other essential exterior building products for residential, light commercial and multifamily projects. In 2022, we introduced our composite cladding system, a first-of-its-kind solution featuring exclusive (GP)2 technology. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, AMI is part of Associated Materials, LLC, which owns and operates 10 manufacturing facilities in North America including a distribution center.

Associated Materials, LLC. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. We also make reasonable accommodations for disabled employees and applicants, as required by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled