Continuous Improvement Engineer

Legrand AV; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Legrand Audio Video Division in Dayton, OH is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive Lean initiatives across manufacturing, improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost. You will lead cross-functional teams, analyze data, and sustain improvements through standard work and visual controls.

The role focuses on reducing waste, improving throughput, and supporting new product introductions with risk mitigation. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, industrial or mechanical engineering and 3+ years in manufacturing.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with ability to drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience with Lean/Six Sigma and problem-solving methodologies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on SQDC performance across manufacturing operations.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving.
• Analyze production data, scrap, and yield trends to identify root causes of variation and drive corrective actions.
• Partner with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve process capability and reduce defects.
• Facilitate root cause investigations for internal quality issues and customer complaints; ensure permanent corrective actions are implemented.
• Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, and visual controls to support consistent operations.
• Support and lead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and daily management system routines.
• Drive improvements in process flow, material handling, and layout to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Support new product introductions and engineering changes by ensuring process readiness and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with operators to identify improvement opportunities and implement practical solutions.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics and dashboards to monitor process health.
• Train and coach teams on Lean principles, problem-solving, and standard work adherence.
• Support audits to ensure quality and compliance.

Skills

Project leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Prioritization

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Adaptability

Team facilitation

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Detail-oriented

Verbal & written communication

Judgment & decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing/industrial/mechanical engineering

Tools

SAP ERP

SolidWorks

Job description

Legrand has an exciting opportunity for a Continuous Improvement Engineer to join the Audio Video Division in Dayton, OH.

The purpose of the Continuous Improvement Engineer is to drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost through the application of Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies. This role is responsible for identifying and executing process improvement opportunities, reducing variation and defects, and improving overall operational performance. The position leads cross-functional initiatives, partners closely with production, quality, and engineering teams, and ensures sustainable results through standardization, data-driven decision making, and workforce engagement.

What Will You Do?

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) performance across manufacturing operations
• Identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies (A3, DMAIC, 8D, QRI)
• Analyze production data, scrap, and yield trends to identify root causes of variation and drive corrective actions
• Partner with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve process capability and reduce defects
• Facilitate root cause investigations for internal quality issues and customer complaints; ensure permanent corrective actions are implemented and sustained
• Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, and visual controls to support consistent operations
• Support and lead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and daily management system (DMS) routines
• Drive improvements in process flow, material handling, and layout to reduce waste and improve throughput
• Support new product introductions and engineering changes (ECOs) by ensuring process readiness and risk mitigation
• Partner with operators and supervisors to identify improvement opportunities and implement practical solutions
• Develop and maintain performance metrics and dashboards (e.g., scrap, yield, cycle time, OEE) to monitor process health
• Train and coach team members on Lean principles, problem-solving methods, and standard work adherence
• Support internal and external audits by ensuring processes meet quality and compliance standards
• Lead or support cost reduction initiatives through waste elimination, process optimization, and material usage improvements
• Participate in cross-functional projects across sites as needed to drive standardization and best practice sharing
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, employee engagement, and accountability at all levels of the organization
• Understand workplace hazards and take steps to proactively prevent and report hazards or injuries in the workplace. Cooperate in Safety Programs, initiatives, and investigations
• Demonstrate our five core values of Integrity, Customer Responsiveness, Innovation, Passionate Contribution & Empowerment and Continuous Improvement

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lead projects and accept responsibility for their success or failure
• Ability to negotiate with outside parties for mutual benefit
• Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, both internal and external
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks based on the overall company/department strategies
• Ability to envision the next level of performance regarding Lean Manufacturing operations and processes across AVD
• Ability to create and implement processes and procedures as well as evaluate their effectiveness within the organization
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, interrupt-driven environment
• Ability to deal with change and conflicts
• Ability to function in a deadline-driven environment
• Must possess a high degree of professionalism and be able to handle confidential information
• Need to be a flexible and adaptable facilitator between internal departments across brands and regions
• Must possess high level of enthusiasm, strong integrity, keen customer service, excellent organizational skills and excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Be detail-oriented and have excellent follow-through skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must have the ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues, by using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, regulation or government law

Required Skills:

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, industrial or mechanical engineering and a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a manufacturing environment; or combination of relevant education and experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with metal fabrication, powder coat paint, and/or assembly processes
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of ERP systems (SAP)
• Experience with SolidWorks
• Experience with warehouse operations

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, twist, reach, push, pull, and make coordinated movements of the fingers for using a keyboard
• Depending on your location travel to other Legrand locations and/or suppliers up to 35% as needed