Continuous Improvement Engineer

Hillphoenix; Centerville (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillphoenix in Centerville, IA is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead lean initiatives across manufacturing operations and support functions.

You will coach teams, facilitate Kaizen events, develop site CI strategies, and drive data-based decision making to deliver measurable, sustainable improvements. Strong collaboration with operations, supply chain, and engineering is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 2+ years of Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, or related experience
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Experience leading or facilitating Kaizen events and Lean transformations
• Hands-on experience with Lean tools such as 5S, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, Poka-Yoke, Daily Management, Root Cause Analysis, Pull Systems, Visual Management
• Experience with process improvement, project management, and change management initiatives

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and improvement projects
• Coach employees and leaders on Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Support development and execution of site-level CI strategies and initiatives
• Drive data-based decision making and structured problem-solving efforts
• Lead and participate on cross-functional teams focused on operational improvements
• Train team members on Lean tools and continuous improvement techniques
• Promote a culture focused on waste reduction, standardization, and operational excellence
• Support facility and process improvement projects from concept through implementation
• Develop process documentation, standard work, and system improvements
• Create business cases and evaluate financial impacts of improvement initiatives
• Partner with operations, supply chain, engineering, and support functions to improve performance
• Share best practices across teams and organizations
• Support change management efforts and help drive sustainable results

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Data analysis

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Team facilitation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

5S

Standard Work

Value Stream Mapping

Poka-Yoke

Daily Management

Root Cause Analysis

Pull Systems

Visual Management

Job description

Are you passionate about Lean manufacturing, driving operational excellence, and helping teams unlock their full potential? We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead and support initiatives that deliver measurable, sustainable improvements across manufacturing operations and support functions. In this role, you will serve as a coach, facilitator, and change agent, helping build a culture that embraces Kaizen, structured problem-solving, and continuous improvement. You will partner with leaders and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, eliminate waste, improve processes, and drive operational performance. This position reports directly to the Continuous Improvement Leader and offers excellent growth opportunities within a stable and growing manufacturing organization.

What You'll Do

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and improvement projects
• Coach employees and leaders on Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Support development and execution of site-level CI strategies and initiatives
• Drive data-based decision making and structured problem-solving efforts
• Lead and participate on cross-functional teams focused on operational improvements
• Train team members on Lean tools and continuous improvement techniques
• Promote a culture focused on waste reduction, standardization, and operational excellence
• Support facility and process improvement projects from concept through implementation
• Develop process documentation, standard work, and system improvements
• Create business cases and evaluate financial impacts of improvement initiatives
• Partner with operations, supply chain, engineering, and support functions to improve performance
• Share best practices across teams and organizations
• Support change management efforts and help drive sustainable results

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, or related experience
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Experience leading or facilitating Kaizen events and Lean transformations
• Hands-on experience with Lean tools such as 5S, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, Poka-Yoke, Daily Management, Root Cause Analysis, Pull Systems, Visual Management
• Experience with process improvement, project management, and change management initiatives
• Background working cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, engineering, product development, customer support, or finance teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis tools
• Prior leadership, coaching, or team facilitation experience is a plus

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to make a significant impact on plant performance and culture
• High visibility role working directly with operations leadership
• Collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Strong career growth and development opportunities

If you're energized by solving complex problems, leading change, and helping organizations achieve operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.