Continuous Improvement Engineer

VIVA USA Inc; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

VIVA USA Inc. is seeking an entry‑level professional for manufacturing operations and continuous improvement in a medical device environment in Minnesota. You will collaborate with operations leadership and floor staff to support business excellence initiatives and data‑driven decisions.

The role requires Lean problem‑solving ability, on‑the‑floor engagement, and the capacity to analyze processes, materials, and performance metrics to drive improvements across safety, quality, and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or 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.

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.

Skills

Complex Query Writing

Web Applications, APIs

Reporting platform

Relational Databases

Power Platform Applications

Data Visualization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline

Tools

Power Platform

Job description

Position Summary

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.

Top 3 REQUIRED Skills (all required skills are non‑negotiable unless explicitly noted):

• Complex Query Writing
• Web Applications, APIs
• Reporting platform

Top 3 PREFERRED Skills:

• Relational Databases
• Power Platform Applications - Strong Advantage
• Data Visualization - Strong Advantage

Notes:

8 AM - 4:30 PM

VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status