Continuous Improvement Engineer

Padnos; Grandville, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Padnos is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to identify, prioritize, and lead manufacturing/process improvements across operations. You will drive lean initiatives, develop KPIs, and manage projects with cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable solutions.

The role emphasizes structured problem solving, data-driven analysis, and communication with executives to advance the company-wide CI strategy while working in-office at Grand Rapids.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in engineering and Continuous improvement.
• Proficient with Solid Works, Auto CAD and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with conveyance, vision systems, sorting, and segregation.
• Ability to influence without authority and guide teams to completion.

Responsibilities

• Identify areas to improve manufacturing asset and process performance.
• Develop systems to document, prioritize, and resolve process failures.
• Establish KPIs to monitor operational, labor, and financial performance.
• Monitor metrics and coach teams to meet targets and drive results.
• Lead cross-functional teams using structured, data-driven methods.
• Create performance dashboards and measure project success.
• Support selection of new products/systems aligned with strategy.
• Drive CI training and embed lean processes in culture.
• Collaborate with Operations to keep leadership informed on CI strategy.
• Assist Operations Manager in advising on overall CI direction.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Cross-Functional Leadership

Root Cause Analysis

Change Management

Data-driven

Influence without authority

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Six Sigma Green Belt recommended

Tools

Solid Works

Auto CAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview

Title: Continuous Improvement Engineer

Overview

The Continuous Improvement Engineer solves business problems through effective identification & prioritization of areas for improvement with a primary focus in manufacturing and operational areas through utilization of lean manufacturing principles. This position also manages projects and associated metrics to enable successful execution and communication across the company to drive process and system changes. This is an in-office position out of our Grand Rapids location.

Accountabilities

Efficiency Optimization

• Identify areas for improving the performance of manufacturing assets and processes that drive improved business results.
• Support development of a system by which process failures can be documented, prioritized, and resolved.
• Lead efforts with business unit leaders to establish key process indicators (KPI's) to monitor operational, labor, and financial performance.
• Monitor key metrics and processes to ensure performance expectations are met and coaches are held accountable for results.

Project Management

• Support the organization in identifying champions and sponsors for process improvement projects.
• Support project champions and sponsors with developing plans, schedules, budget, and capital expenditure justifications.
• Lead cross-functional teams to utilize structured and disciplined methodologies to analyze data, identify root cause and develop sustainable solutions.
• Utilize CI tools and techniques (root cause analysis, process maps, fish bone analysis, benefit vs. effort matrix, etc.) to identify specific areas for improvement.
• Create performance metrics to measure project success and develop dashboards to ensure that targets are achieved.
• Participate in the recommendation, evaluation, and selection of new products/systems to ensure they are prioritized and aligned with the organization's strategic direction.

Communication and Strategy

• Drive continuous improvement capability and culture change through best practice sharing, vocal advocacy, and visible leadership.
• Help develop and implement CI training programs to embed lean processes into the company's cultural fabric.
• Collaborate with Operations Team to provide regular ongoing communication to the leadership team to ensure strong engagement at all levels of the organization.
• Support the Operations Manager in advising the executive team on overall organizational continuous improvement strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Proficient computer skills including Solid Works, Auto CAD, Microsoft Office.
• 3-5 years of experience in engineering and Continuous improvement role.
• Experience with conveyance, vision systems, sorting, and segregation.
• Ability to influence without authority, successfully guiding teams through project completion.
• Proficient in risk and stakeholder management with a solution driven mindset.

• Process oriented.
• Six Sigma Green Belt recommended.
• Data driven with a proven success in problem solving.
• Possesses a bias towards action with demonstrated success in getting things done.
• Strong independent decision-making skills.
• Must be able to work in-office 100% of the time out of our Grand Rapids location.
• Adaptable communication style enabling effective messaging with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to lead through influence and navigate change management without direct line of authority.
• Ability to effectively manage resources, timeline and priorities in a project environment.
• Ability to build trust and demonstrate value.
• Demonstrated proactive and dynamic approach in challenging existing processes and searching for new opportunities.
• Ability to successfully adapt to continuously evolving environments and overcome issues, challenges and obstacles.
• Demonstrated process/product knowledge, basic statistical knowledge and organizational knowledge.
• Ability to manage multiple projects across multiple teams simultaneously.
• Must be able to lift 75 lb.

PADNOS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, weight, height, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, genetic medical information, protected veteran status or disability status.