Continuous Improvement Engineer

Gates Corporation; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Gates Corporation seeks a Continuous Improvement Engineer for a remote role with frequent plant travel. You will lead Lean initiatives, optimize production systems, and drive measurable gains in safety, quality, and efficiency across operations.

You will partner with plant leadership, conduct time studies, map value streams, and implement standardized work. A Lean Six Sigma background and CAD/Microsoft Office skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% domestically and internationally.
• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing or continuous improvement environments.
• Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Experience with time studies, capacity analysis, and labor modeling to drive operational improvements.
• Lean improvements experience including Kaizen events and standard methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, machinery, and operating standards.
• Experience in Microsoft Office and CAD.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production systems and reduce waste.
• Improve facility layout, workflows, and labor models.
• Enhance material flow using PFEP, floor space planning, and inventory optimization.
• Develop capacity models to identify constraints and support data-driven decisions.
• Conduct time studies and utilization analysis for efficiency gains.
• Apply Value Stream Mapping to identify bottlenecks and waste.
• Lead implementation of process improvements and standardized work.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish efficient production standards.
• Train and coach employees on Lean principles and continuous improvement.
• Maintain documentation and reporting to track performance and sustain improvements.
• Lead Kaizen events to achieve measurable operational results.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Time studies

Capacity analysis

Labor modeling

Kaizen events

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Travel willingness

CAD

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

CAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

WHAT TO EXPECT

As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. As a Remote position with required travel to plants you will be a Continuous Improvement Engineer.The Continuous Improvement Engineer is a hands-on problem solver who partners with plant leadership to drive operational performance and efficiency. This role leads continuous improvement and Industrial Engineering initiatives, identifying opportunities to optimize workflows, material flow, and production processes.They play a key role in shaping a culture of Lean thinking and accountability, delivering measurable results across safety, quality, productivity, and cost. Through data-driven analysis, time studies, and cross-functional collaboration, this role helps the plant consistently meet or exceed performance expectations while building sustainable improvements across operations.

Key responsibilities (to name a few):

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production systems, increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
• Improve facility layout, workflows, and labor models to align with operational performance goals.
• Enhance material flow using Lean tools such as PFEP, floor space planning, and inventory optimization.
• Develop and maintain capacity models to identify constraints and support data-driven decision-making.
• Conduct time studies and utilization analysis to drive sustainable efficiency improvements.
• Analyze production processes and apply Value Stream Mapping to identify bottlenecks and eliminate waste.
• Lead the implementation of process improvements, including new technologies and standardized work.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to establish efficient, cost-effective production standards.
• Train and coach employees on Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Maintain documentation and reporting to track performance and sustain improvements.
• Lead and support Kaizen events to drive measurable operational results and cultural adoption of continuous improvement.

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelor's degree required: in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 75% of the time is required.
• Must reside within reasonable proximity to a major airport hub to accommodate frequent domestic and international travel.
• 2 + years of experience in manufacturing or continuous improvement environments
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma preferred
• Experience with time studies, capacity analysis, and labor modeling to drive operational improvements
• Lean and continuous improvement experience, including leading Kaizen events and applying standard methodologies
• Strong knowledge of production processes, machinery, and operational standards
• Experience in Microsoft Office and CAD
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship

BENEFITS

• Full-Time* Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options:
• Benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation, additionally 8 sick days* 11 paid holidays* 401(k): company matching up to 6%* Tuition Reimbursement* Employee Discounts

WHY GATES?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.