Continuous Improvement Engineer

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc.; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc. is seeking an entry-level Continuous Improvement Engineer for an onsite role in Plymouth, MN. The position focuses on manufacturing operations, applying Lean methods to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics on the production floor.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and have 0–2 years of experience, with strong analytical and collaborative skills to drive data-driven improvements in a medical device environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing
• Ability to analyze data and processes
• Structured problem-solving methodologies
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Local candidates preferred

Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, material flow, labor utilization, capacity, and performance metrics.
• Conduct root cause analysis and support corrective actions.
• Facilitate Lean activities including 5S, visual management, standard work, and Kaizen events.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve site-to-site consistency and dashboards.
• Support facility design, layout optimization, and material flow improvements to enhance safety and efficiency

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Data analysis

Structured problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Kaizen events

5S

Job description

Position Title: Continuous Improvement Engineer

Work Location: Plymouth MN

Assignment Duration: 12 Months

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Entry-level role designed for recent graduates seeking hands‑on experience in manufacturing operations and continuous improvement. This role supports operational excellence and manufacturing optimization within a medical device environment. Success requires collaboration, analytical thinking, and Lean problem‑solving, with regular engagement on the production floor. The candidate will partner with operations leadership and employees to support business excellence initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement initiatives KPI's focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, material flow, labor utilization, capacity, and performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities and support data-driven decisions.
• Conduct root cause analysis, develop recommendations, and support implementation of corrective actions.
• Facilitate Lean activities including 5S, visual management, standard work, and Kaizen events.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve site-to-site consistency, performance dashboards, process documentation, and change management initiatives.
• Support facility design, layout optimization, and material flow improvements to enhance safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred.
• 0-2 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, industrial engineering, or continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, process improvement, structured problem‑solving methodologies, and data analysis.
• Self‑motivated, quick learner with strong communication, collaboration, and analytical skills capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Local candidates are strongly preferred.
• Why is this role open? Increasing team to handle productivity improvement projects.
• What projects will this person support? Continuous Improvement, Efficiency, Layout Optimization, etc.
• What does a typical day look like? Time study, analysis, reports, presentations, meetings, etc.
• How would you roughly break down the work in percentages (e.g., project work, meetings, documentation, other)? Project Work 80% Other 20%
• Who will they interact with regularly - All departments and production
• What does success look like in the first 90 days? Own their own improvement project and be able to present findings, results, next steps, etc.

Education: Bachelor's degree

• Does the candidate need experience in the medical or pharmaceutical industry? No
• What systems will this person be working with daily?
• What personality traits work best with your team? Collaborative, driven, self-starter