Continuous Improvement Engineer

Faurecia; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Forvia's Chattanooga Seating plant is seeking an early‑career Continuous Improvement Engineer to deploy the FES framework on the shopfloor. You will drive Lean projects, coach teams, and support safety, quality, and delivery improvements while developing manufacturing change‑agent capabilities.

The role emphasizes hands-on kaizen, Gemba walks, and daily management, with mentorship from CI leaders across the division. Strong communication and collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical) or related discipline.
• Experience in a production or industrial environment (co-op, internship, or full-time).
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Support the Plant FES & Performance Manager in executing site and departmental continuous improvement plans.
• Apply Lean / Continuous Improvement methodologies directly on the shopfloor through kaizen events, Gemba walks, and daily management routines.
• Coach and train plant personnel on Lean tools, problem-solving techniques, and standard work.
• Ensure consistent application of FES / Lean standards across departments.
• Actively participate in shopfloor improvement activities to drive measurable KPI improvements.
• Transfer best practices and continuous improvement knowledge to supervisors, operators, and engineers.
• Collaborate with Division Continuous Improvement leaders to stay aligned with group standards and best practices.
• Uphold Forvia’s Code of Ethics and Code of Management in all activities.

Skills

English Fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical)

Tools

Lean Manufacturing

Job description

Forvia, a sustainable mobility technology leader

We pioneer technology for mobility experience that matter to people.

Your Mission, Roles And Responsibilities

Forvia is a global leader in automotive technology, combining excellence in manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability. At our Chattanooga Seating plant, we are building the next generation of manufacturing talent and empowering early‑career engineers to drive operational excellence through world‑class continuous improvement practices.

Role Overview

As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will play a key role in deploying Forvia’s operational excellence framework (Faurecia Excellence System – FES) at the plant level. This is a hands‑on, shopfloor‑focused role ideal for early‑career engineers who are passionate about Lean manufacturing, process improvement, and people development.

You will partner closely with plant leadership and operations teams to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale—while building your own expertise as a manufacturing change agent.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Plant FES & Performance Manager in executing site and departmental continuous improvement plans
• Apply Lean / Continuous Improvement methodologies directly on the shopfloor through kaizen events, Gemba walks, and daily management routines
• Coach and train plant personnel on Lean tools, problem‑solving techniques, and standard work
• Ensure consistent application of FES / Lean standards across departments
• Actively participate in shopfloor improvement activities to drive measurable KPI improvements
• Transfer best practices and continuous improvement knowledge to supervisors, operators, and engineers
• Collaborate with Division Continuous Improvement leaders to stay aligned with group standards and best practices
• Uphold Forvia’s Code of Ethics and Code of Management in all activities

Who We’re Looking For

This role is designed for manufacturing or industrial engineers ready to grow in a dynamic plant environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related discipline)
• Experience working in a production or industrial environment (co-op, internship, or full‑time)
• Fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications

• 1–3 years of professional experience in manufacturing (engineering, quality, production, or supervision)
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence systems
• Demonstrated ability to improve process KPIs through structured problem‑solving
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and coaching skills
• Comfort working on the shopfloor in a fast‑paced production environment

Why Join Forvia?

• Hands‑on exposure to world‑class Lean and Continuous Improvement practices
• Clear development path within manufacturing, operations, and leadership
• Opportunity to make a visible impact early in your career
• Collaborative plant culture with strong mentorship from experienced CI leaders
• Global company with long‑term career mobility

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship of any kind.

What We Can Do For You

• At Forvia, you will find an engaging and dynamic environment where you can contribute to the development of sustainable mobility leading technologies.
• We are the seventh-largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in more than 40 countries which makes a lot of opportunity for career development.
• We welcome energetic and agile people who can thrive in a fast-changing environment. People who share our strong values. Team players with a collaborative mindset and a passion to deliver high standards for our clients. Lifelong learners. High performers. Globally minded people who aspire to work in a transforming industry, where excellence, speed, and quality count.
• We cultivate a learning environment, dedicating tools and resources to ensure we remain at the forefront of mobility. Our people enjoy an average of more than 22 hours of online and in‑person training within FORVIA University (five campuses around the world)
• We offer a multicultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration. We believe that diversity is a strength. To create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity create real value for the company, we have adopted gender diversity targets and inclusion action plans.
• Achieving CO2 Net Zero as a pioneer of the automotive industry is a priority: In June 2022, Forvia became the first global automotive group to be certified with the new SBTI Net‑Zero Standard (the most ambitious standard of SBTi), aligned with the ambition of the 2015 Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Three principles guide our action:use less, use betteranduse longer, with a focus on recyclability and circular economy.

Why join us

FORVIA is an automotive technology group at the heart of smarter and more sustainable mobility. We bring together expertise in electronics, clean mobility, lighting, interiors, seating, and lifecycle solutions to drive change in the automotive industry.

With a history stretching back more than a century, we are the 7th largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in 43 countries. You'll find our technology in around 1 out of 2 vehicles produced anywhere in the world.

In June 2022, we became the 1st global automotive group to be certified with the SBTI Net‑Zero Standard. We have committed to reach CO2 Net Zero by no later than 2045.

As technological innovation and the need for sustainability transform the automotive industry, we are ideally positioned to deliver solutions that will enhance the lives of road‑users everywhere.

Salary Range

USD 75,000 - 110,000