Continuous Improvement Engineer

thekineticgroup; Lonoke (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kinetic Group is seeking a qualified Industrial/Manufacturing Engineer to implement Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints at the Lonoke facility. You will train others, lead improvements, and coach leaders and teams to drive operational excellence.

Key duties include conducting time studies, applying DMAIC methodology, and leading value stream mapping and standard work initiatives. Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or related field
• Basic knowledge of lean, six sigma, and theory of constraints concepts
• 2 years of technical/mechanical experience preferred
• Ability to read and interpret drawings
• Knowledge of production processes preferred
• Strong problem solving skills and analytical ability
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Personal computer skills including Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point. Experience with Minitab or similar software preferred
• Experience using basic hand tools and power tools preferred
• Experience working cross functionally with many teams to accomplish a shared goal
• Six Sigma green/black belt preferred

Responsibilities

• Work within a team to prioritize process improvements based on greatest impact/lowest cost
• Perform time studies and use statistical analysis to improve processes and provide recommendations on performance improvement
• Apply Six Sigma methodology (DMAIC)
• Lead the implementation of lean concepts and tools, including 5S, Standard Work, Leveling, Pull, and Visual Factory
• Lead value stream and process mapping activities
• Lead projects to implement new processes and improve current processes within the facility.
• Assist CI specialists and engineers in completion of kaizen projects and blitzes
• Share best practices with operations and other CI team members
• Constant pursuit of elimination of waste in all critical processes
• Must be comfortable in a high rate manufacturing environment, soliciting buy‑in and participation at all levels
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Theory of Constraints

Reading drawings

Problem solving

Interpersonal communication

Self-motivated

Multitasking

Minitab

Education

B.S. in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or related field

Tools

Minitab

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Pay Range

$69,600.00 - $97,300.00 The actual annual salary offered to a candidate will be based on variables including experience, geographic location, education, and skills/achievements, and will be mutually agreed upon at the time of offer.

Job Description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION

To assist with the implementation of Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints at the Lonoke facility. To train others on these concepts and tools as well as lead improvement projects. Communicate and provide support necessary to all business functions. To act as a coach to leaders and team members.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or related field
• Basic knowledge of lean, six sigma, and theory of constraints concepts
• 2 years of technical/mechanical experience preferred
• Ability to read and interpret drawings
• Knowledge of production processes preferredStrong problem solving skills and analytical ability
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Personal computer skills including Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point. Experience with Minitab or similar software preferred
• Experience using basic hand tools and power tools preferred
• Experience working cross functionally with many teams to accomplish a shared goal
• Six Sigma green/black belt preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work within a team to prioritize process improvements based on greatest impact/lowest cost
• Perform time studies and use statistical analysis to improve processes and provide recommendations on performance improvement
• Apply Six Sigma methodology (DMAIC)
• Lead the implementation of lean concepts and tools, including 5S, Standard Work, Leveling, Pull, and Visual Factory
• Lead value stream and process mapping activities
• Lead projects to implement new processes and improve current processes within the facility.
• Assist CI specialists and engineers in completion of kaizen projects and blitzes
• Share best practices with operations and other CI team members
• Constant pursuit of elimination of waste in all critical processes
• Must be comfortable in a high rate manufacturing environment, soliciting buy‑in and participation at all levels
• Other duties as assigned

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

Physical Requirements: Employee will be sitting, standing, and walking. Minor lifting of objects over 50 lbs, carrying, stooping, and kneeling. Some travel and work outdoors. Manual dexterity for computer work and writing. Hearing, speaking, and vision are required (with or without correction).

Mental Requirements: Must communicate effectively in verbal and written formats. Reading comprehension and basic math skills are a requirement. Flexibility to effectively deal with a variety of people and situations and to handle interruptions and multiple tasks simultaneously. Quick thinking and problem solving to readily assimilate information. Ability to maintain tact and highly professional manners. Initiative to effectively complete tasks with little supervision. The ability to identify and appropriately handle confidential information.

Equipment Used: Telephone, calculator, personal computer, copy machine, printer, plotter, laminator, vinyl cutter, various hand tools and power tools, including 3D printer.

Working Environment: Work is done in an office environment, with some time spent in the manufacturing plant. This exposure subjects incumbents to temperature changes, dirt, dust, noise, vibration, moving objects and mechanical parts, machine tool lubricant mists, equipment and explosive hazards. Co‑worker support, guidance, and reinforcement are readily available.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• MS Engineering and/or MBA
• Hands‑on experience with Six Sigma tools and techniques, and Lean manufacturing concepts
• Demonstrated experience with time study methods
• Demonstrated experience with SMED
• Strong understanding of root cause problem solving (Six Sigma/8D/A3 etc.)
• Experience with small caliber ammunition or high volume metallic parts manufacturing operations and equipment
• CAD training
• Experience with 3D printing

Work Environment:

Employee work assignments may include tasks working with and/or exposure to potentially hazardous areas, including flammables and explosives. Safety training is provided to all employees to ensure compliance with company and federal regulations.

Benefits:

At The Kinetic Group, we believe the people who build great products deserve great support. That's why we offer day‑one healthcare coverage, company‑paid parental leave, a dollar‑for‑dollar 401(k) match up to 6%, career development opportunities, education ass