Continuous Improvement Engineer

DRiV Incorporated; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DRiV Incorporated, the aftermarkets arm of Tenneco, seeks an Industrial Engineer to drive operational excellence across powertrain manufacturing. You will lead cross-functional improvement initiatives, apply Lean and Six Sigma, and optimize workflows with production, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams.

The role emphasizes standard work, visual management, and data-driven problem solving to boost productivity, quality, and safety while coaching teams and sharing best practices across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field is required.
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably powertrain or automotive.
• Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma and IE tools such as value stream mapping and root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma and IE methods.
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for efficiency, quality and safety.
• Conduct time studies, workflow analysis and capacity planning to optimize resources.
• Develop and implement standard work, visual management and mistake-proofing solutions.
• Coach teams on best practices for process improvement and problem-solving.
• Track KPIs related to productivity, scrap, downtime and cost savings.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance and operations on new product introductions and process changes.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality and regulatory standards.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Industrial Engineering

Root cause analysis

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Value stream mapping

Industrial engineering tools

Job description

At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.

With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we’re all about getting stuff done, so we can win.

How do we make it happen?Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.

Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here.

DRiV is the aftermarket business group of Tenneco - DRiV website

Position Summary:

Drive operational excellence and process optimization across powertrain manufacturing by leading cross-functional improvement initiatives. Apply industrial engineering principles to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance productivity, collaborating with production, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and facilitate cross-functional continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and industrial engineering methodologies
• Analyze current manufacturing processes, identify bottlenecks, and recommend solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and safety
• Conduct time studies, workflow analysis, and capacity planning to optimize resource utilization
• Develop and implement standard work, visual management, and error-proofing solutions
• Train and coach teams on best practices for process improvement and problem-solving
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, scrap, downtime, and cost savings
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and operations to support new product introductions and process changes
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards
• Document and share lessons learned and best practices across departments

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• 3+ Years' Experience in manufacturing (preferably powertrain or automotive sector)
• Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and industrial engineering tools (e.g., value stream mapping, root cause analysis)
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Primarily plant-floor-based with regular interaction with production, maintenance, and quality personnel
• Fast-paced, hands-on environment requiring flexibility and the ability to manage multiple priorities

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities