Continuous Improvement Engineer

TalentBridge; Monroe (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader who is passionate about driving operational excellence. In this dynamic role, you will lead Lean initiatives, mentor teams, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Your expertise will help identify waste, enhance processes, and deliver measurable results. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are eager to make a significant impact, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and teamwork, and be a catalyst for change in their operations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Lean/CI principles in manufacturing.
• Strong ability to lead kaizen events and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean initiatives and empower teams to drive operational excellence.
• Conduct value stream mapping to identify improvement opportunities.
• Provide training and mentorship on Lean concepts.

Skills

Lean principles

Coaching

Problem-solving

Communication

Facilitation

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Equivalent practical experience in manufacturing

Tools

5S

SMED

TPM

Job description

Are you energized by the opportunity to make a lasting impact on operations and culture?
Talentbridge is looking for a dynamic Continuous Improvement Leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about solving problems, eliminating waste, and driving operational excellence. In this role, you’ll be a catalyst for change—leading Lean initiatives, empowering teams, and building a continuous improvement mindset from the ground up.

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, coach others, and turn challenges into measurable results, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

1. Advance personal expertise in Lean tools and improvement methodologies.
2. Provide training and mentorship to team members on Lean concepts and standards.
3. Participate in cross-functional improvement initiatives and share best practices across locations.
4. Contribute to the refinement and deployment of Lean tools and standard practices.
5. Integrate Lean principles into project planning and new process development.
6. Collaborate with plant leadership to promote a continuous improvement culture and mindset.
7. Conduct annual value stream mapping (VSM) to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
8. Assist in defining Lean strategies and aligning CI initiatives with operational budgets and goals.
9. Facilitate and support kaizen events, pilot initiatives, and improvement workshops.
10. Provide on-the-job coaching to employees applying Lean tools and techniques.
11. Perform audits (e.g., 5S, Kanban) to monitor and sustain improvements.
12. Partner with operations to address process nonconformities and sustain standards.
13. Organize and participate in regular CI reviews and reporting sessions with production teams.
14. Maintain metrics and reporting for Lean performance and improvement results.
15. Deliver quarterly CI reports summarizing initiatives, savings, and future plans.
16. Ensure visibility and communication of results to site leadership teams.

Qualifications & Experience:

1. 3+ years of experience applying and coaching Lean/CI principles in a manufacturing environment with measurable results.
2. Proven ability to lead kaizen events and implement process improvements across departments.
3. Strong communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
4. Adept at influencing and building relationships across all levels of an organization.
5. Solid analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
6. Ability to energize teams, drive engagement, and coach for success.
7. Experience with automation and process integration is a plus.
8. Prior hands-on experience with tools such as:
9. 5S & visual workplace standards
10. Standard work development
11. SMED
12. TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)
13. Waste identification and elimination (Muda)

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience in manufacturing.
2. Experience in Lean manufacturing environments such as automotive, electronics, or other high-volume production sectors.