Continuous Improvement Engineer

EFP, LLC.; La Vergne (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Continuous Improvement / Lean Engineer to enhance operational efficiency through Lean transformation. This dynamic role involves leading cross-functional teams, identifying waste, and implementing strategies to drive process improvements. You will coach and mentor employees, facilitate kaizen events, and support quality initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, a background in engineering, and a passion for continuous improvement. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and a 401(k) plan.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan with Company Contributions

Life Insurance

Short-term Disability

Long-term Disability

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field with 3 years of experience.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred for process improvement roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead kaizen events to improve processes and reduce costs.
• Develop continuous improvement strategies aligned with business goals.

Skills

Lean Principles

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor Degree in Engineering

Lean or Six Sigma Certification

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Minitab

Microsoft Access

Job description

Posted Friday, March 14, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Continuous Improvement – Lean Engineer

Position Summary:
The Continuous Improvement / Lean Engineer ("CI Engineer") reports to the Corporate Director of Continuous Improvement and is focused on providing manufacturing and business operational support through lean transformation. The CI Engineer is responsible for understanding the current process state, identifying efficiency and/or improvement opportunities, and leading cross-functional teams to drive process improvements utilizing Lean strategies. The Continuous Improvement Engineer serves as the Subject Matter Expert for one or more manufacturing sites and facilitates CI projects and kaizen events focused on process and quality improvements, on-time delivery, inventory, cost reductions, and standard work.

Duties and Essential Job Functions:

1. Lead kaizen events and projects focused on improving processes, eliminating waste, and reducing cost.
2. Develop and implement continuous improvement strategies, plans, and initiatives in alignment with the organization’s business goals and objectives.
3. Coach, mentor, and train employees on lean/continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
4. Proactively work with managers and employees to identify areas in need of improvement.
5. Participate in and lead teams focused on resolving quality issues and concerns.
6. Support production control, material control, and material planning functions in improvement projects relating to scheduling, inventory management, and raw material flow and tracking.
7. Track, measure, and report on the progress of Continuous improvement initiatives within the organization against set targets/goals.
8. Maintain adherence to implementation schedules for assigned projects, providing progress updates on status and operational improvements.
9. Work with process owners to develop value stream maps for each process and each value stream family within the facility.
10. Travel independently by car or airplane, including approximately 25% overnight travel.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or comparable field of study and 3 years related experience in a manufacturing environment, or equivalent in combination of education and experience.
2. Lean or Six Sigma certification is preferred.
3. Experience identifying waste and areas of improvement using Lean Principles (Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, SMED, A3 problem solving, TPM, Kanban, Poke Yoke, Standard Work, Kaizen, 5S, etc.) and general knowledge of quality management and supply chain systems is preferred.
4. Effective leadership and project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
5. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise influence without authority are critical for success.
6. Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate credibly at all levels of the organization.
7. Proficiency with Microsoft Suite applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required. Experience using Microsoft Access and Minitab is preferred.
8. Requires driver’s license and ability to travel by car and airplane, including frequent overnight travel.

Company Overview:
Founded in Elkhart, Indiana in 1954, EFP is strategically located to serve the central United States with two of the largest EPS molding plants in the U.S. Headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, the company has manufacturing locations in Elkhart, IN, Evansville, IN, Decatur, AL, Nashville, TN, and Reno, NV.

EFP can design, mold, fabricate and provide fulfillment capabilities, kitting, assembly, custom systems, and inventory management. Nashville is also home to the company’s Temperature Solutions Center of Excellence.

For more than 30 years, EFP, LLC has been owned by J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc., a privately held, diversified manufacturing company with operating subsidiaries throughout North America. In addition to expanded foam products, these companies produce commercial van bodies, step vans, funeral coaches, limousines, pick-up truck bed enclosures, tonneau covers, and precision machined components. The size and strength of the Poindexter companies provide EFP with the leadership and resources to stay on the leading edge in today’s marketplace. Because of this, EFP can provide our customers groundbreaking packaging and component solutions.

For more information about our company, access EFP's web site at www.efpcorp.com.

EFP offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. EFP’s benefits package includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA, and a 401(k) Plan with company contributions.